Manchester: Zak Crawley’s spectacular knock of 189, combined with half-centuries by Joe Root and Moeen Ali, propelled England to a commanding 67-run lead over Australia on the second day of the fourth Test match in the Ashes series at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
After resuming from 239/2 after the tea break, England’s batting duo of Joe Root and Zak Crawley continued their impressive partnership. Crawley’s aggressive and commanding innings dominated the Australian bowlers as he reached his 150-run milestone in just 152 balls. England levelled the scoreboard with Crawley’s six off Mitchell Marsh over long range, solidifying their position in the match.
However, Crawley’s outstanding knock came to an end when he was dismissed by Green, falling just short of a double century with a total of 189 runs. Joe Root’s aggressive knock of 84 off 95 balls also contributed significantly to England’s lead before he was dismissed by Hazlewood.
By the end of the second day, England had scored 384/4, securing a 67-run lead over Australia.
During the first session, England’s batsmen, Moeen Ali and Zak Crawley, exhibited attacking gameplay, quickly adding 100 runs to the board in just 23 overs. The pair brought up their 100-run partnership, with Crawley reaching his fifty-run mark with a six off Head’s bowling, while Moeen notched up his half-century in the 25th over.
Moeen Ali’s fine innings of 54 came to an end as he was caught at midwicket by Mitchell Starc. However, Crawley continued his attacking game and secured his century with a powerful four off Starc’s bowling. England reached the 200-run mark in just 36 overs, showcasing their dominance at the crease.
In the bowling department, Chris Woakes was the star for England, as he claimed five wickets, leading Australia’s first innings to a total of 300. Resuming from their overnight score of 299/8, Australia’s batting didn’t last long, with Woakes dismissing two batsmen quickly to complete his five-wicket haul.
Australia’s first innings concluded at 317 after Woakes secured his fifth wicket by dismissing Josh Hazlewood for 4 runs.
England’s second day began with the wicket of Australian captain Pat Cummins. Though Woakes initially ended the Australian innings at 300, his delivery was deemed a no-ball for overstepping by the third umpire. However, Woakes’ five-wicket haul was completed when he dismissed Hazlewood.
In response to Australia’s innings, England’s opening batsman, Ben Duckett, fell early to Mitchell Starc’s outswinger, caught by Carey behind the stumps. In a surprise move, Ben Stokes sent Moeen Ali to bat at number three, alongside Zak Crawley.
The partnership between Moeen and Crawley proved to be a solid one, with Crawley surviving an LBW decision that was overturned by the third umpire due to the ball missing the leg stumps.
Brief scores:
Australia 317 (Marnus Labuschagne 51, Mitchell Marsh 51, Chris Woakes 5-62)
England 239/2 (Zak Crawley 189, Joe Root 84, Mitchell Starc 2-74).
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