Chris Rogers has made his first Test match fifty as England continue to struggle to get a stranglehold on the game. Cowan is at the other end on 14 and even the introduction of Joe Root can’t buy England a wicket. Australia are 111-1 and need a further 200 to win.
England have the wicket they needed as Watson is trapped LBW off Broad’s first ball after drinks. He falls for 46 despite a review and Australia are on 85-1 needing another 226 to win. Cowan is the new man but it is Rogers in trouble in the next over as he is given out caught behind off Swann but a review this time works in favour of the tourists and he is reprieved.
This innings isn’t going to plan for England as the first wicket partnership has moved on to 68. Shane Watson has moved to 36 and Chris Rogers 32 as they continue to put England to the sword. Momentum seems to be back with Australia and that can be a dangerous thing when a man of Watson’s calibre is at the crease. The tourists need 243 runs to win whilst the hosts are still striving for the first wicket of the 10 they need. The general chatter around the ground has grown quieter over recent overs with the crowd sensing the important period ahead.
Australia negotiated the 7 overs possible before lunch for the loss of no wickets. They go into the interval on 28-0 needing a further 283 more to win. Swann will be key throughout the afternoon session but Shane Watson remains and he could be the danger man for Australia due to ability to take the game away from the opponent. He is on 18 at lunch with partner Rogers on 10. Join us in 40 minutes to see how the afternoon session unfolds.
Graeme Swann is the next man to fall, edging Siddle to first slip where Shane Watson completed the formalities. The Nottinghamshire spinner falls for 9 but will be licking his lips at the pitch as it continues to break up. Anderson only lasts two balls as England fall to 375 all out, a lead of 310. Australia will be chasing 311 to win and with six sessions left it isn’t the toughest task. However, fourth innings chases are normally tricky at Trent Bridge leaving the game in the balance once more.
Ian Bell has finally fallen for 109 but his knock has put England in a strong position. Starc gets one to straighten a touch and that is another to catch the outside edge which goes through to Haddin. The lead is now up past 300 and as Bell strides off to a standing ovation, Finn takes his place and the next half an hour could produce a few fireworks.
After reaching his century, Bell has added just the one run but that won’t bother him at all. The Warwickshire batsman will be looking to push the England lead past 300 and beyond with the help of the likes of Swann.
Broad finally falls after a partnership of 138 with Partner Bell. A shorter, wider delivery from Pattinson does the trick as Broad feathers an edge through to keeper Haddin. The lead in now 281 as Swann strides to the crease with Bell still unmoved on 101.