Ashes 2017- 18:Fourth Test, Day 4 : Rain Washes Away England's Hope as Australia Stand Firm

The fourth day was abandoned due to rain.

Cameron Bancroft getting out on day 4 | Getty

The fourth day in the boxing day started with Alastair Cook not out on 244 and James Anderson who had to face the first ball today,  Pat Cummins started the proceedings for Australia and on the first delivery he took Anderson's wicket with Cook went back not out on 244 with a standing ovation he missed out his 250 and giving Australia a huge lead of 164 runs.

Warner and Bancroft started with a positive approach to tackle the likes of Anderson and Broad they both had started scoring runs for the team but Chris Woakes did not let Bancroft stay on the crease he was bowled on 27 with Khawaja joining in the other opener. 

Khawaja was also unlucky today as James Anderson deadly bowl made him walk back to the pavilion on 11. He was caught out behind the wickets by Bairstow. The score was then 65 for 2.
Smith joined the opener in the middle to give him a helping hand. Both the players being experienced one what roles they have to play in the match and they understand each other well.

After the first session, England had pocketed yet another session - seventh in a row for them in this game so far. Their innings ended the first ball and then although Australia started well through their openers, Woakes removed Bancroft and Anderson followed it up by sending Khawaja back to the hut. Australia's senior boys, Warner and Smith are out there, the former has got a start as well but there is a challenge ahead of them.

The second session was started by Anderson to both the horses of Australia where they had to tick in between the strike and rain intervened the match to stop the play. The score of Australia was then 103/2 with still trailing behind by 61 runs.

As there was no stoppage of rain the fourth day had to be abandoned and go for stumps with the last day yet to come and the match heading towards a draw.

Brief Scores-
Australia - 327, 103/2 ( Warner 40*, Steven Smith 25*)
England 491.

 
 

By Kunal Kataria - 29 Dec, 2017

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