Stokes: “Weather forecast could dictate how we play in 4th Ashes Test”
Jonny Bairstow hit a rapid 99 as England built a huge first-innings lead on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.
Harry Brook and Ben Stokes both made 50s before Bairstow smashed Australia’s bowlers to all corners of the ground, falling only one run short of a century when he ran out of partners as James Anderson was trapped LBW by Cameron Green.
England were eventually all out for 592 to carry a lead of 275 runs heading into the second innings, and are chasing quick wickets ahead of a weekend that is forecast to be heavily disrupted by rain in Manchester.
Follow all the live action from Old Trafford as England face Australia:
England vs Australia – fourth Ashes Test, day three
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Australia 14/0 (6), Usman Khawaja 10, David Warner 3, Stuart Broad 0-8 (3) (trail by 261)
David Warner is starting a foot outside of his crease against Stuart Broad, who like his opening partner hasn’t quite found rhythm yet. Warner can’t get a tickle on three balls speared down the legside, though – a maiden.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 15:28
Australia 14/0 (5), Usman Khawaja 10, David Warner 4, James Anderson 0-6 (3) (trail by 261)
There’s a bit of movement apparent for Anderson across the left-handers, but his starting line has generally been a little bit too straight, both Warner and Khawaja able to watch the ball on to their bat, not necessarily afraid of playing square on given Anderson’s relatively gentle pace. That’s more like it, pushing it across to beat Khawaja’s defensive stroke.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 15:24
Australia 13/0 (4), Usman Khawaja 10, David Warner 3, Stuart Broad 0-8 (2) (trail by 262)
The barbershop quartet to Jonny Bairstow’s left ooh and aah as Usman Khawaja is slightly squared up by an away-nipper from Stuart Broad. That’s safe off the outside half of the bat, though, into the cover gap for a single. David Warner matches his partner with a tuck off the toes.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 15:20
Australia 11/0 (3), Usman Khawaja 9, David Warner 2, James Anderson 0-5 (2) (trail by 264)
James Anderson shows his footballing skills, five keepy-uppies before collecting back in those gnarled old fingers. I hear those aross the road at the other Old Trafford are seeking a new number nine.
His last ball is over-pitched on about middle, Khawaja never one to get a stride in so playing an otherwise perfect on-drive with his plimsolls together. Stuart Broad’s game chase keeps it to three.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 15:17
Australia 7/0 (2), Usman Khawaja 6, David Warner 1, Stuart Broad 0-6 (1) (trail by 268)
Jaunty from Usman Khawaja, at least by his standards, a couple of steps down to cover the swing before leaning on a square drive. Four runs.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 15:12
Australia 1/0 (1), Usman Khawaja 1, David Warner 0, James Anderson 0-1 (1) (trail by 274)
A nudge off the hip gets Usman Khawaja underway, James Anderson not finding too much immediate nip as he makes the familiar canter down from his own end.
Stuart Broad at the other.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 15:06
Australia 0/0 (trail by 275)
What do Australia have by way of riposte? Bairstow’s blitz at least showed how good this surface remains for batting, but the new ball swung earlier for Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood – this could be a tough little period for Usman Khawaja and David Warner.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 15:01
END OF INNINGS: England 592 all out (lead by 275)
Revenge? That was a blockbuster bit of batting from Jonny Bairstow, letting out all of his frustration on Australia’s hapless attack, already bruised by yesterday’s battering. England eschewed any thought of an early declaration and have piled on the runs – they’ve got a session and a bit to make inroads into the Australian order before the rain is due to come overnight.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 14:57
END OF INNINGS: England 592 all out (lead by 275)
(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 14:54
OUT! James Anderson lbw b Green 5 (18b 1×4 0x6), England 592 all out
But Anderson’s stay of execution is brief! Jonny Bairstow is stranded on 99!
It’s cruel for Bairstow, his partner shuffling across his stumps and then missing a straight one. The appellate court can’t save him, three reds on review, with Bairstow hurrying off for a quick-change into his keeping gear.
Harry Latham-Coyle21 July 2023 14:52