England collapse before Australia dominate
After 3 days of fairly even cricket, Australia has finally taken control of the test match. England began the day struggling at 2/33 before a batting collapse saw them bowled out for 195. Australia finished the day with a dominant display of batting courtesy of Camron Bancroft and David Warner, to leave the Aussies at 0/114 at stumps.
A lead of 7 runs with the loss of 2 wickets, was certainly going to be putting the English in the deep end before lunch. However, Joe Root saw a fairly loose and passive Australian bowling attack and took advantage with a glorious boundary blitz. However after the Aussies struck with the wicket of Mark Stoneman, it was not long before Malan fell. However, some valuable resistance was shown by Johnny Bairstow and Moeen Ali who gave England some hope. But it was not too long before Lyon and Tim Paine combined for a somewhat controversial stumping before sparking a collapse. Starc, Hazelwood and Lyon bagged 3 wickets each to see England bowled out for 195.
With a final innings target of 169, David Warner and debutant; Camron Bancroft combined for a brilliant 114 run opening stand to see the hosts with only 55 runs required to win the first test. Bancroft, in particular, has so far demonstrated his form that he had shown in the first class arena, whereas Warner has done what he does best, which is to destroy the opposition quickly and keep the run rate ticking.
A lead of 7 runs with the loss of 2 wickets, was certainly going to be putting the English in the deep end before lunch. However, Joe Root saw a fairly loose and passive Australian bowling attack and took advantage with a glorious boundary blitz. However after the Aussies struck with the wicket of Mark Stoneman, it was not long before Malan fell. However, some valuable resistance was shown by Johnny Bairstow and Moeen Ali who gave England some hope. But it was not too long before Lyon and Tim Paine combined for a somewhat controversial stumping before sparking a collapse. Starc, Hazelwood and Lyon bagged 3 wickets each to see England bowled out for 195. 
With a final innings target of 169, David Warner and debutant; Camron Bancroft combined for a brilliant 114 run opening stand to see the hosts with only 55 runs required to win the first test. Bancroft, in particular, has so far demonstrated his form that he had shown in the first class arena, whereas Warner has done what he does best, which is to destroy the opposition quickly and keep the run rate ticking.
Therefore, it is pretty safe to say that Australia are clear favourites to win this test match with some ease. However, the first half hour will be crucial for England to create a miracle. The loss of 3 or 4 wickets very early on day 5 may become a bigger hurdle for the Aussies who will be aggressive into chasing this total down as early as possible. I can see Australia maybe losing a wicket tomorrow, but other than that they should cruise to a first test victory.
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