Eight-wicket hero Stuart Broad has warned his team-mates against an Australian backlash after England established a 214-run lead on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test.
Advertisement
Australia collapsed to 60 all out, Broad an irresistible force with a career-best eight for 15 – figures previously surpassed in the Ashes for England by only Jim Laker.
“But we need something special over the next four days”.
Alastair Cook’s team can regain the Ashes with victory in Nottingham, but had been waiting to discover whether Wood was fully recovered from his ankle niggle.
Australia’s problem has not been their bowling, its been their batting.
Chris Rogers began the tourists’ manic surrender to seam-and-swing when he edged Broad, from round the wicket, to Cook at first slip.
Australia called in batsman Shaun Marsh in place of his brother Mitchell.
“To get it third ball was a delight. I couldn’t believe Ben Stokes’ catch”.
Australia captain Michael Clarke managed double-figures, but with 10 to his name he faced Broad for the first time and duly edged an attempted drive at a wide one high to Cook.
The hosts will be without Jimmy Anderson, with Aussies captain Michael Clarke suggesting that this could play a decisive factor in the outcome of the Test, though England are confident that fast bowler Stuart Broad can fill his shoes.
Joe Root (124 not out) and Jonny Bairstow (74) then ensured England built a dominant first-innings advantage, with Australia now facing an insurmountable 3-1 series deficit.
Advertisement
Adam Lyth edged behind and Bell and Cook were both pinned on the crease lbw. Only one team in history has won a Test series after going 2-1 behind – but that was Australia way back in 1936-37.
