An evening session that was cut short by bad light and then rain, dented Australia's hopes of winning the 3rd Ashes test at Old Trafford. The tourists were going well with a lead of 331 runs, and a declaration looming large in the mind of captain Clarke probably giving 20 - 25 overs to bowl at England tonight ahead of 90 more on the final day to take the 10 England wickets. Now however, an Australian declaration is certain to come first thing tomorrow, giving them 98 overs to take the hosts 10 2nd innings wickets, and setting England 332 to win in that time if they wish to take up the challenge set by Michael Clarke and go for an unassailable 3-0 series lead. Unfortunately, the forecast is for heavy rain overnight and more heavy showers throughout tomorrow, meaning that the draw is the likely result, which would mean England retain the urn with 2 tests to play.
Day 4 started with England avoiding the follow-on, with Broad and Prior swiftly getting the 34 England needed to avoid it, whilst upping England's run rate. The pair had added 44 to England's overnight total when Broad nicked a Nathan Lyon delivery to Brad Haddin and walked (to cheers from the crowd) for 32, giving the off-spinner his first wicket of the innings. This bought Graeme Swann to the crease, who didn't hand around long, hitting a nice 6 down the ground off of fellow spinner Lyon, before getting an inside edge off Peter Siddle which was nicely taken by Brad Haddin, to send Swann packing for 11. Last man in was James Anderson, who was protected from facing too much of Siddle and Lyon, as Prior hogged the strike and turned down plenty of singles. In the end he skied a Siddle delivery that he tried to turn off his hip with Warner taking the catch, as Prior was out for 30, with Anderson not out on 3 and England all out for 368.
This gave Australia a 159 run first innings lead and a good platform to work with, as David Warner opened with Chris Rogers and Shane Watson moved down to no.4. Warner got off to a bright start, while Rogers went early for 12 trying to run Stuart Broad down to third man, instead only finding the edge which was well taken by Prior. Warner and Usman Khawaja put on a 50 partnership after lunch as Australia upped to run rate so they could try and get England back in during the evening session. David Warner was the next man to go for 41, pulling Tim Bresnan into the safe hands of Joe Root in the deep (which was truly the picture of irony). Wickets fell fairly regularly after this as Australia tried to get on with things. Khawaja was the next out for 24, getting too far across his stumps to Graeme Swann who duly bowled him around his legs. Shane Watson fell shortly afterwards for 18, upper cutting Bresnan down to third man, but straight into Kevin Pietersen's hands. Steven Smith was soon ran out by his captain, who refused a second and leaving Smith stranded as James Anderson removed the bails at the bowlers end, as Smith went for a run a ball 19, including 2 big sixes. Brad Haddin had got to 8 when he chipped an Anderson delivery up in the air for Stuart Broad to take an easy catch, as England got into the bowlers - although Clarke still remained comfortable at the crease. Mitchell Starc had made 11 when he chipped Anderson straight to Swann who took a comfortable catch.
Unfortunately only 3 more balls were bowled before the players were taken off the field for bad light, much to the anger of Michael Clarke. The rain came soon after and the players did not return as play was abandoned at around 5.40pm local time.
Hopefully the rain will stay away tomorrow, although that looks unlikely, as this would set up an intriguing day of Cricket with all 3 results possible. England could go for the victory if all 98 overs are to be bowled, although this would be unlikely. It is more than likely that England would just shut up shop, on what is still a good pitch. If that is the case then Australia will struggle to take the 10 wickets that they need to keep the series alive. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon will be key for the Aussies on a decent spinners wicket, while England will want Jonathon Trott to play a long innings and have a calming influence on the day, to see England to a draw. If the hosts are to push for victory, then Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell would be the key men if this scenario came true.
Whatever does happen it should be an excellent day of Cricket (weather permitting) and one I look forward to summarising tomorrow, along with the rest of the 3rd Ashes Test. See you then.
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