Stuart Broad strikes late for England to leave first Ashes Test on a knife edge

19.06.2023 - 19:13 theguardian.com

An opening Ashes Test already featuring more twists than a novelty cocktail straw now heads into a decisive final day in which all four results are possible and shades of 2005 abound.

Australia have made inroads into a pursuit of 281 for victory but England, buoyed by the latest trademark Stuart Broad burst, still believe.The tourists had seemingly taken full control of the game’s destiny on a see-sawing, gripping fourth day.

Led by four wickets from their blue-eyed captain, Pat Cummins, and supported by four more from Nathan Lyon, they rolled for England 273 all out, thus setting a target one run shy of their famously thwarted chase here 18 years ago.

Though it would represent their second highest chase on these shores, the placid nature of this much-maligned pitch - and Moeen Ali’s issues with his spinning finger - are in their favour.

cricket rowing Test on David Warner Joe Root Pat Cummins Nathan Lyon Ollie Robinson Jonny Bairstow Steve Smith Australia

England have left out all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson in one of three changes to their side for a must-win third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley starting on Thursday, with express quick Mark Wood, seam-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes and spinner Moeen Ali recalled.Both Anderson and fellow paceman Josh Tongue have been rested as England bid to keep the Ashes alive at 2-0 down in the five-Test series following a 43-run defeat at Lord's last week.

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