Could this be England's miracle test?
Are we on the verge of one of the greatest test comebacks? England's fightback on day 4 has set up a thrilling final day in the second test match at Adelaide.
Australia's second innings went from bad to worse as a pumped-up England side has the Australian batting lineup in all sorts. Resuming the fourth day at 4/53, nightwatchman Nathan Lyon provided some valiant resistance before James Anderson achieved his first five-wicket haul down under. Australia after an outstanding return to form for Anderson and Chris Woakes (4/36) were miserably dismissed for 138. Despite some excellent and inspired bowling from England, Australia's plan to have the new ball during the twilight session went quickly down the drain.
Set a massive record fourth innings target of 353, it is fair to say that England had very little chances of winning the game. However, with some inspired batting from skipper Joe Root (67*) has England resting in the balance at 4/176 with 177 runs to win. Alistair Cook again was found wanting against Nathan Lyon being trapped in front. His 66 ball 16 is simply not helping England. How much longer are England going to persist with Cook? There is no doubt he is a great of the game, his record speaks for itself, however, his lack of form is hurting England's top order and is failing to establish a foundation for the team. I hope that he does find some form during this series as England need his record to speak out now. Joe Root, on the other hand, has played wonderful innings, he has certainly taken the responsibility to be the one to lead the run chase and see England through.
England still need 177 runs to win with Joe Root and Chris Woakes at the crease with 6 wickets still to spare. Australia will have an hour of bowling with the older ball before the new ball will due in the first session on day 5. This will be the turning point in the match if England can get through the new ball fairly unscathed. There is still plenty of batting left for England with the likes of Moeen Ali and Johnny Bairstow still to come.
Well, the game is finally back in the balance. England has gotten themselves back in the game to lay the foundations of a theatrical finish to the second test. However, I do see Australia having the upper hand at the moment as England have yet to face the second new ball. But, England if they manage to get through the second new ball without too much damage, they are a red-hot chance of winning.
Australia's second innings went from bad to worse as a pumped-up England side has the Australian batting lineup in all sorts. Resuming the fourth day at 4/53, nightwatchman Nathan Lyon provided some valiant resistance before James Anderson achieved his first five-wicket haul down under. Australia after an outstanding return to form for Anderson and Chris Woakes (4/36) were miserably dismissed for 138. Despite some excellent and inspired bowling from England, Australia's plan to have the new ball during the twilight session went quickly down the drain. 
Set a massive record fourth innings target of 353, it is fair to say that England had very little chances of winning the game. However, with some inspired batting from skipper Joe Root (67*) has England resting in the balance at 4/176 with 177 runs to win. Alistair Cook again was found wanting against Nathan Lyon being trapped in front. His 66 ball 16 is simply not helping England. How much longer are England going to persist with Cook? There is no doubt he is a great of the game, his record speaks for itself, however, his lack of form is hurting England's top order and is failing to establish a foundation for the team. I hope that he does find some form during this series as England need his record to speak out now. Joe Root, on the other hand, has played wonderful innings, he has certainly taken the responsibility to be the one to lead the run chase and see England through. 
England still need 177 runs to win with Joe Root and Chris Woakes at the crease with 6 wickets still to spare. Australia will have an hour of bowling with the older ball before the new ball will due in the first session on day 5. This will be the turning point in the match if England can get through the new ball fairly unscathed. There is still plenty of batting left for England with the likes of Moeen Ali and Johnny Bairstow still to come.
It is fair to say that this match has been set up for a thrilling finale. I still see Australia being favourites to claim the final 6 wickets however, the match can certainly go either way. The key moment as mentioned previously will be the second new ball. Australia should look to take the new ball as soon as possible and bowl aggressively. Wickets are more valuable for Australia than containing the runs. If England sees out the second new ball, they will have a great chance of pulling off an amazing victory. Hence, Australia should look to take early wickets regardless of the runs and put pressure on the new batsmen.
Well, the game is finally back in the balance. England has gotten themselves back in the game to lay the foundations of a theatrical finish to the second test. However, I do see Australia having the upper hand at the moment as England have yet to face the second new ball. But, England if they manage to get through the second new ball without too much damage, they are a red-hot chance of winning.
What a game this has been, Australia have been looking to steamroll England for 3 days and suddenly England has found themselves clawing back into it the contest. Furthermore, if this manages to be the winning test for England, I can see this series changing completely.
A theatrical finally has been set up for the last day of an amazing test match. Let's hope that this game goes down to the wire and light up the Ashes series.
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