Australia back with a bang !!!!!!!

Australia entered the 4th test with 0-1 in the series, it was a must win game for them if they want to win the Ashes this year. On the other hand England were 5 days away from regaining the Ashes, ie if they win this they win the Ashes. Australia brought Stuart Clark in place of Nathan Hauritz on a fresh seamer friendly Headingley wicket, England on the other hand had to make a change forcefully with Flintoff being ruled out, Steve Harmison gets a game. England won the toss and elected to bat.

Headingley,
4th Test, Day 1

England were in trouble straight a way, Strauss was dismissed by Siddle, North took a brilliant catch, Hilfenhaus got Bopara trap in front, Johnson got Bell fending at a rising delivery, and then Clark got in to the act taking the wickets of Collingwood, Cook and Broad before lunch. England were in deep trouble with 72 for 6 at Lunch, easily not the sort of start they would have wanted after winning the toss.

After lunch Prior played a few attacking shots (frankly he had to play). But things got worse when a fired up Siddle satrted banging the ball, and soon England innings folded after lunch at 102 in just 33.5 overs, Siddle picked up all the 4 wickets after lunch, and finished the innings with dream figures of 5 for 21 of 9.5 overs.
In reply, Australia lost Katich early for a duck, but then it was an uphill task for English bowlers as Watson & Ponting started a virtual assault on English bowlers scoring at well over 6 runs an over. Ponting in particular looked in sublime form and was particularly severe on any thing short. Both batsmen reached their half centuries soon after tea and raised a 100 run stand. Watson completed is 3rd successive fifty before getting out to Onions then Broad dissmed Ponting and Hussey in quick succession. England looked like getting into the game with Australia at 151 for 4. But Clark and North had other ideas, they droped anchor and provided no more hiccups. Australia ended the day at 196 for 4 and are obviously in commanding position. If England batting was disappointing their bowling was no better, particularly Onions and Anderson who kept bowling short rather then pitching it up.

Headingley,
4th Test, Day 2

Australia started day 2 all guns blazing, even the circumspect North got into the groove and started playing shots, Clarke continued in his own merry way. The duo added 152 runs their 3rd 100 partnership, before Clarke departed for a well compiled 93, he was unlucky to have missed his 3rd 100 of the series though. Then Haddin departed early off Harmison for 14, Johnson joined North at 323 for 6 and added 70 for the 7th wicket, Johnson yet again proved his worth with the bat scoring 27 runs.
North added further 46 runs with Clark for the 9th wicket and completed his 100. Stuart Clark played a cameo of 32 of just 22 balls with 3 sixes. Australian innings finally ended at 445, with virtually unassailable lead of 343 runs. Broad was the pick of the English bowlers, recording his best figures of 25.1-6-91-6. Rest of the bowlers were ordinary to say the least.
England started well second time around, with big task ahead both the openers were cautious early on, then the flury of wickets before the end of days play, ruled any chance of English revival. Johnson and Hilfenhaus not letting England of the hook taking all the wickets between them. England ended day 2 at 82 for 5 with Prior at the crease and only bowlers to follow, we are in for an early finish tomorrow.

Headingley,
4th Test, Day 3

The ridding was very much on the wall as far as England are concerned as they lost both the overnight batsmen inside the first 40 minutes of play. Both were taken by Hilfenhaus. Then the 8th wicket partnership between Broad and Swann gave English supporters something to cherish. The duo cmpiled the 2nd fastest 100 runs partnership ever in Test history both added 108 runs of just 75 balls. Both completed their half centuries before getting out and played some scorching shots all around the wicket. Broad in particular was very aggressive scoring 61 of just 49 balls. Swann was the highest scorer though with 62 of 61 balls. England finally bowled out for 263 runs , Johnson getting five-for. ENgland didn't even play out 100 overs in 2 innings, with Johnson getting his form back, Clark's inclusion this all pace attack is looking much more potent. Players will get a much needed break and England will have to do all the thinking before the next game at The Oval, if they are to regain the Ashes, whereas a draw would do it for the Aussies, but they might want to stamp their authority in Tests again with a win at Oval. What ever happens we are in for a treat for sure, don't forget Flintoff is expected to be fit and would be looking for one last Hurrah in Tests.