As tea was called on the fourth day of the Lord’s test match between England and Australia in The Ashes 2009, Australia had lost half of their second innings wickets chasing England’s lead of 521, coming in for sandwiches with their score at 178 for 5.
Australia, despite some good form from Michael Clarke, who has now reached 60, must be looking hopefully to the skies as England have the full evening session and all of Monday to find five lower order wickets for more than three hundred day five runs. With the cloud cover threatening, but not delivering, rain, the ball is likely to start moving around even more as the fourth day closes.
England must scent victory this evening, if they can grab one of Australia’s last remaining recognised batsmen this evening.
As things stand, Australia need Clarke (currently on 60) and Brad Haddin (on 24 not out) to form a huge partnership – they must still be in at stumps if Australia are to get anything from this match without an act of God.