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England fought back strongly in the first two sessions on Day 4 in the ongoing Lord’s Test as they picked up the remaining eight Aussie wickets for 149 runs. However, the World Test Champions already registered a strong 370-run lead by the time.
Earlier in the day, England bowlers used the short-ball ploy that proved to be their batters’ downfall on Day 3. The likes of Stuart Broad, Josh Tongue, and Ollie Robinson were rewarded for bending their backs as seven out of the eight Australian wickets to fall on Day 4 came off short deliveries. Khawaja’s invaluable knock of 77 off 187 balls eased the pressure that was being exerted by the English bowlers.
The likes of Steve Smith (34), Cameron Green (18), and Alex Carey (21) got starts but couldn’t convert them into anything substantial. Broad finished as the pick of the bowlers as he ended with figures of 4/65 in 24.5 overs.
The injured Nathan Lyon came out to bat at the fall of the ninth wicket and received a huge ovation from the crowd in attendance for his show of bravery. The off-spinner partnered Mitchell Starc and added 15 runs. Australia’s innings ended at 279 when Lyon was dismissed by Broad. The visitors had a daunting lead of 370.
No team has chased more than 342 in the fourth innings of a Test match at Lord’s. In 1984, West Indies achieved the feat against England, thanks to a double hundred from Gordon Greenidge. Last year, England chased down 277 against New Zealand. However, a good start was imperative for Ben Stokes and Co. to have a go at the stiff target set by Australia.
The hosts got off to the worst possible start as Starc strangled Zak Crawley down the leg side. Ollie Pope also departed soon after as he was beaten all ends up by an immaculate inswinger from Starc. Captain Pat Cummins also joined the fun as he got the better of Joe Root and Harry Brook in quick succession.
Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett went on to form a fighting 69-run partnership as England finished at 114/4 at Stumps. On Day 5, England need another 257 runs with six wickets in hand.
