Batsman Steve Smith and fast bowler Pat Cummins spearheaded Australia’s dominance on day four of the fourth Ashes series Test at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday.
Resuming on 200-5, England narrowly avoided following on en route to 301 all out in response to Australia’s 497-8 declared in the first innings.
The Aussies’ second innings collapsed to 44-4 on the back of fast bowler Jofra Archer’s early breakthroughs, before Smith’s rich run of form continued. Having struck a double century in the first innings, the prolific right-hander struck a counter-attacking 82 from 92 deliveries, dotted with 11 boundaries. He now has 671 runs across five innings in this series. His stay was particularly important after opener David Warner fell for a second duck in this match.
Captain Tim Paine relished a second declaration with Australia on 186-6, setting the opposition a target of 383. The home side’s pursuit endured a difficult start, as opener Rory Burns and captain Joe Root perished in the first over – both to Cummins.
Burns’ leading edge holed out to mid-off, while Root collected a third duck in five innings when Cummins’ immaculate line and length had the stumps clattering.
Opener Joe Denly and Jason Roy, who switched positions for this fixture, will resume on 18-2 – with a 365-run deficit – on Sunday.
Australia won the 2017-18 Ashes series 4-0. A series draw, this time, will suffice to retain the title. The five-match affair is currently locked at 1-1, after the tourists won at Edgbaston, the hosts won at Headingley and the Lord’s Test was drawn. The Oval in London will host the fifth and final match from 12 September.
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