BIRMINGHAM:Australia needs 281 runs to win the Ashes opener after dismissing England for 273 in its second innings on tea on the fourth day at Edgbaston on Monday. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon took 4-80 and captain Pat Cummins finished with 4-63 to add to his first-innings blast of 38 that could make all the difference.
Ollie Robinson hit a very useful 27 as the English tail frustrated Australia. The seamer reportedly abused Australia opener Usman Khawaja after dismissing him for 141 on Sunday, guaranteeing him fierce treatment at the crease while batting. Robinson’s ninth-wicket stand with Stuart Broad added 27.
No. 11 James Anderson, England’s most successful test bowler, reverse-swept a four off his first ball as the lead crept near 270. The veterans — Anderson is 40, Broad is 36 — came together at 256-9 and the innings finally ended when Anderson was caught behind for 12 off Cummins. Broad was 10 not out.
There’s plenty of time left for the chase, and an improved weather forecast for Tuesday afternoon, making Australia the favorites. But Ben Stokes’ England has the new-found confidence of the ‘Bazball’ era and the raucous soccer-style atmosphere at Edgbaston on its side.