Ashes Live: Day Five

The first over of the afternoon came from Anderson, a disciplined maiden. Swann countered, but conceded five, three of which were courtesy of an inside edge that could have gone anywhere.

Australia require 15

Day Five Live: Experts At Lunch

England v Australia: 1st Investec Ashes Test - Day One

Alec Stewart
“England have created the opportunities to finish this game off but both dressing rooms will now be tense. Swann has bowled too quick and flat to Pattinson. He needs to bowl wider and take a risk. The ball is also not reverse swinging but I’m convinced Anderson will start doing it.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/23302781

Michael Vaughan, BBC TMS
“I’d say it is 60-40 England but you just don’t know. It has been a terrific advert for Test cricket. For an Australian side given no chance of competing they have been excellent.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/23302781

Mike Atherton, Sky Sports Commentary 
“(James Paterson) looked good before the break, but as we saw in the first inings number 11 isn’t always reflective of how a player bats.”

Michael Holding, Sky Sports Commentary
“The closer you get to the target the more nervous you become. You know that one mistake can cost you the Test Match.”

Ashes Live: Day Five

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Lunch here at Trent Bridge, and this match has had everything. A tense morning session has seen three wickets fall to Jimmy Anderson before another partnership has threatened to derail England at the last. Requiring 20, Haddin worked brilliantly and is 69*, while James Pattinson has looked assured while building his 22*.

A last gasp drop from Steven Finn could have ended the innings before the interval, despite a sprint and dive he couldn’t wrap his hands around it well enough to stop it travelling for four. The extended session had palpable tension, explosions of emotion, and there’s sure to be jubilation and heartache this afternoon.

 

Comment: Nail Biting, Sweat Dripping Torment For The Hosts

IMG_0036After what was shaping up to be a breezy English win it is safe to say that under the sea of white hats in the stands sweat from sheer panic now drips from the foreheads of each and every wearer. Chasing the win with great momentum the Australian batsmen are starting to cause a stir in the crowd; The cat really has been thrown amongst the pigeons on this blistering final day.

Ashes Live: Day Five

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Blimey. This is really tight. Haddin and Pattinson have brought up their fifty partnership and require just 30 to win. Broad replaces Finn from the Radcliffe Road end and there may be questions over his selection for the coming tests.

Australia have added 213 for their last-wicket stands in this match. Unbelievable.

Worse news for England too, as Anderson limps off with cramp. The tension is tangible.