- Updates from the final day of play at Old Trafford
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Forget about the runs – no one is getting 150 per session on the last day. It’s the overs that matter. England need to get through 71 of them. The chances of that happening are obviously very slim. But one must retain belief until all hope is gone. Denly should win praise for his resistance, but he needs to double or triple that stay at the crease.
As for Australia, what a session for Pat Cummins. What a Test match for him. What a bowler. Two wickets in two balls last night, with the ball of the summer to England’s captain. Then two of the most classy and quality spells in this morning session, first knocking over Jason Roy and then, so vitally, Ben Stokes.
34th over: England 87-4 (Denly 48, Bairstow 2) Last over before lunch, and well played Joe Denly. England have every reason to be grateful to him, as he blocks out Hazlewood calmly to reach the interval. One session down, two to go.
Written by Geoff Lemon (now, at Old Trafford), Rob Smyth (later) & Jonathan Howcroft (earlier)
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2019/sep/08/ashes-2019-england-v-australia-fourth-test-day-five-live under the title “Ashes 2019: England v Australia fourth Test, day five – live!”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.