Ashes 2021-22: 2nd Test, Day 4 – Australia cruise towards another victory
Chasing down the massive target of 468, the visitors are four down at stumps on day 4 of the second Ashes Test. Haseeb Hameed yet again had to depart early on whereas Dawid Malan walked back to the hut with 20 runs to his account, followed by the big wicket of Joe Root.
Australia had earlier declared their innings on 230 for nine in their second innings. Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, and Dawid Malan chimed in with three wickets each to further restrict the flow of runs. On this note, let us take a look at the three talking points of the day.
3. Jos Buttler’s splendid catch
Amidst all the action, that was an absolute screamer from Buttler #Ashes pic.twitter.com/ooPCQZub0n
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 19, 2021
The keeper grabbed a stunner catch to send back Marcus Harris on the fourth day of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Stuart Broad bowled a full-length delivery to the batter which he nicked quite late. The ball then flew towards Buttler who dived towards his left to complete a stellar catch. With this wicket, the hosts were reduced to 48-3.
2. Jhye Richardson’s impressive spell
Burns’ resistance ends! Richardson’s persistency pays off #Ashes pic.twitter.com/IMclHl0v6x
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 19, 2021
After Australia declared their innings, England have a big task in hand to stay resilient on the pitch. As the visitors walked in for their second innings, Richardson made sure that he furthermore strengthens the host’s position.
He first bowled a good length delivery that seamed away and bounced to dismiss Haseeb Hameed on a duck. The bowler then garnered the audacity of the occasion by breaking the resilience of Rory Burns. He chimed in with a fuller delivery towards off wherein the batter ended up edging it and Smith completed a good catch.
1. Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head’s partnership
Both the batters hit half-centuries and held the fort of Australia. They stitched in a partnership after the hosts lost quick wickets. Their innings provided the much-needed stability to the host’s batting.
They rebuilt the innings before Labuschagne (51) lost his wicket to Malan giving him his first Test wicket. Whereas Travis Head walked back to the pavilion owing to Ollie Robinson’s delivery and a super catch by Stokes at deep midwicket.
