With such a quick turn around of the first Innings for the English and Australian batsmen it is well worth pondering over the question as to whether the first Test of the 2013 Ashes will make it to its final day or not.

Coming into the third day it may have seemed preposterous to believe that the final day would play its part yet with the steady movement and batting safety of England’s Ian Bell it would seem that cautious tactics will play their part in English success (if there is to be any!).

It would be a good guesstemation to say that to reach a minimum of 250 runs for the home team would see them on their way yet it was previously believed that the powerful English bowling brilliance of Anderson, Finn and Swann would grant their opponents a doomed fate early on; that idea was quickly dashed due to the skill and diligence of young star Ashton Agar.

Despite all hope the chances of seeing day 5 are extremely thin. Fingers crossed for those with tickets but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Kieran Matthews