MANCHESTER: England chipped away at Australia’s batting as the tourists reached 299-8 at the close on day one of the fourth Ashes test on Wednesday, ensuring another tantalizing clash is finely poised.
At 2-1 down and needing to win to force a series decider at The Oval, England struck at regular intervals to leave the tourists 299-8 at the close.
Stuart Broad took two, with the second – Travis Head hooking to long leg – making him only the fifth bowler in Test history to reach 600 wickets.
Steve Smith had looked in good touch before lunch, steadying the ship after England had removed both Australian openers, but he was trapped leg before wicket five overs after the restart by Mark Wood, falling for 41.
Labuschagne moved past 50 for the first time in this Ashes series to put Australia in a commanding position. However, Ali struck to dismiss Labuschagne after a successful DRS review, with the Australian having added only one more run to his total.
Travis Head remains at the crease on 47, joined by centurion from the last test, Mitchell Marsh, both of whom England will be looking to remove quickly in the day’s final session.
A draw or a win for Australia in Manchester will ensure they retain the Ashes, while victory for the hosts brings the score level and takes this exhilarating series to a decider at the Oval in London next week.
