Our round up of the overnight news and media reaction to Day Four as well as looking ahead to this, the Final Day of the First Ashes Test here at Trent Bridge.
Stephen Brenkley, The Independent
“It has been a Test match for the ages. The standard of play has not always been of the very highest, though frequently it has been of an extremely rare vintage, and the desire of the players has been a sight to behold. The terracotta urn over which they are struggling might contain the meaning of life itself instead of some old cinders of uncertain provenance.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/ashes-2013-double-review-ends-michael-clarkes-resistance-to-give-england-the-edge-8707413.html
Chole Saltau, The Sydney Morning Herald
“After three days packed with drama, the fourth was tight with suspense until Australia lost three wickets, including that of the captain and best batsman, for three runs in 18 balls. Ian Bell scored an excellent 109 and later rated it among his best. In the six and a half hours Bell spent at the crease, as controversy erupted around him, he turned England’s position from desperate to dominant.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/australias-fighting-run-chase-hit-by-more-decision-review-controversy-20130714-2pxmy.html#ixzz2Z0aaFV1X
Scyld Berry, The Telegraph
“England this morning will rely on the reverse-swing of James Anderson and Broad, and on the spin of Graeme Swann to see them home. Trent Bridge has been Swann’s most unproductive Test ground, as it does not dust and disintegrate, but he persevered like a master craftsman to take the last two of the five wickets that England took. But perhaps the highlight of England’s innings on Saturday was the standing ovation given to Stuart Broad when he reached 50, his first since the Abu Dhabi Test of 18 months ago, and again when he returned to the pavilion.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/theashes/10178008/Ashes-2013-England-v-Australia-first-Test-day-four-report.html
Alec Stewart, The Daily Mirror
“Chasing down 311 to win Australia will have known from the outset they would have to do something very special to see the job through and going into the final day it will now take a miracle. But regardless of the result Australia have shown they are prepared to battle hard. Debutant Ashton Agar, just 19 years old, has epitomised this attitude with his record breaking 98 in the first innings. It is so important that if you are to lose a game then you go down fighting and show the opposition you will not just lie down and be walked over. England to win the series 5-0 has been the call by some pundits and though they may yet be proven right one thing’s for certain, there will be plenty more twists and turns before the series is over.”
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/cricket/alec-stewart-ashes-england-havent-2051744#ixzz2Z0YqqD1d
one chance left!!