The Ashes

The 4^th day of the 2^nd test match of “The Ashes” series between England and Australia in Adelaide had all sorts of drama. England can now almost smell the victory and Australia is praying for heavy rains.

Kevin Pietersen is having the match of a life time with his personal best of 226 runs but seems to have done most of the damage with his bowling getting Michael Clarke out on the final delivery of the day.

Michael Clarke looked comfortable indeed, making 80 of 139 balls with Michael Hussey giving a well rounded partnership on the 4^th wicket. But sadly for the pup, this comfort was short lived, thereby giving England the confidence they so desperately needed.

Lady luck was not with England today, with a steady start, their bowling seemed ineffective with catches falling short and showers threatening to ruin their chances. The day started with a promising partnership between Shane Watson and Simon Katich but ended before either could settle down. Rickey Ponting looked the most uncomfortable; he was baffled by Graeme Swann from the word go and couldn’t even open his account till he faced his 13^th delivery. Ultimately he got out on his 19^th delivery making only 9 runs, the catch being taken by Paul Collingwood who as we all know hardly ever misses an opportunity. Graeme Swann being the pick of the day as the best bowler.

All England has to do now is trust it won’t rain on the 5^th day, because this is the first real chance they’ve got to win the match and not let it end in a draw. Meanwhile Australia are at their weakest and the only hope they have is Michael Hussey who seems to be doing a one-man-show with his 93 runs in the first innings and now 44 not out in the second innings. Now England knows the key, an early dismissal of Michael Hussey on day 5 will bring them that much closer to winning the match.

With England declaring at 620 and 4 Aussie top order batsman already back in the pavilion, the only factors that England should wish for is that James Anderson performs his best tomorrow getting early wickets and no rain disrupts play.

England deserves to win this match, so even a draw will feel like a loss.

Tags: Adelaide, Australia, Cricket, England, Kevin Pietersen, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Test Cricket, The Ashes, The Ashes 2010