Reuters
Nottingham, August 7: Ben Stokes (5/35) showed his calibre with the ball to put England on the verge of a famous victory that would win back the Ashes as Australia finished on 241 for seven after a compelling second day of the fourth test at Trent Bridge here Friday.
The touring side, fought back to trail by 90 runs but England should finish them off on the third day to clinch the series. Adam Voges (48 batting, 91b, 7×4) and Mitchell Starc (0 batting) were at the crease at the end of the play.
Australia took five wickets in the morning before England declared on 391 for nine and the touring side’s openers, Chris Rogers (52, 83b, 10×4) and David Warner (64, 74b, 9×4 2×6), added 113 runs to give their side a foothold in the match.
The pair batted through most of the afternoon session before Stokes inspired England to take four wickets and end the Australia fight back.
Stokes dismissed Rogers, Warner and Shaun Marsh (2) before taking a brilliant catch off Broad’s bowling to send back Steve Smith (5) and leave Australia reeling at 138 for four at tea.
After the break the hosts removed Michael Clarke (13), Peter Nevill (17) and Mitchell Johnson (5) in a tense final session.
Earlier Starc (6/111) led the Australian revival in the morning. He dismissed Joe Root for (130, 176b, 19×4, 1×6), Mark Wood (28) and Jos Buttler. Josh Hazlewood (2/97) snared Stokes and Johnson removed Moeen Ali. Only a fine ninth-wicket partnership of 58 between Moeen and Broad saved England from complete collapse.
During Australia’s second essay, Warner, on 10, was dropped by Cook at first slip off Broad and Ian Bell spilled a harder chance off Stokes.
Rogers, caught by Root off Wood on 47, was reprieved when television replays showed the bowler had over-stepped but five runs later he was brilliantly taken by Root.
Warner skied Stokes to Broad at wide mid-on, Marsh edged the right-armer to Root at third slip and Smith flayed Broad to cover point where Stokes held a low catch.
Voges and Nevill added 50 for the sixth wicket, the latter surviving after being caught by Cook off a no ball. But he fell in the final session.