MANCHESTER, England :A sensational century from Zak Crawley helped England rapidly close the first innings deficit on Australia during a remarkable afternoon session on day two of fourth Ashes test on Thursday, with the hosts 239-2 at tea, trailing the tourists by 78.With the weekend weather forecast promising rain, England know they are in a race against time to get the win they need to level the series and really upped the ante after lunch, with Australia unable to cope with their aggressive 'Bazball' approach.
Crawley, who lived a charmed life at times, led the attack, storming to the fourth fastest hundred from an Englishman against Australia in test history off 93 balls to give the hosts real hope of securing a remarkable, quick-fire win.
Moeen Ali, a makeshift number three, aptly supported until he was caught for 54 by Pat Cummins, before Joe Root came in and continue on the front foot, putting on a century partnership with Crawley in 82 balls.
Scoring at over seven an hour in a session is a rate rarely seen in test cricket, but both Crawley, unbeaten on 132, and Root who will return on 44, looked more and more comfortable as the day wore on, playing some extravagant shots to put Australia firmly on the back foot.