LIVE: The Ashes – England vs Australia: Follow all the action from day five of the opening Test at Edgbaston

  • England facing monumental struggle to save the opening Ashes Test 
  • They have nine wickets in hand after Rory Burns falls early to Pat Cummins 
  • Steve Smith was again exceptional as his magnificent 142 punished England
  • He was ably assisted by Matthew Wade and others as England’s bowlers toiled 

By Adam Shergold for MailOnline

Published: 09:53, 5 August 2019 | Updated: 11:21, 5 August 2019

Scroll down for live updates

England face a monumental battle to save the opening Ashes Test as Australia aim to take the 10 wickets they need for victory at Edgbaston.

Openers Rory Burns and Jason Roy survived seven overs in fading light on Sunday night after Australia declared on 487 for seven, setting a nominal target of 398.

Once again it was Steve Smith who made the difference, with his magnificent 142 adding to the 144 he scored in Australia’s first innings.

He was ably assisted on the fourth day first by Travis Head, who scored 51, and then Matthew Wade, who scored a first Test century since 2013.

Tim Paine, James Pattinson and Pat Cummins rubbed England’s noses further into the dirt before the declaration finally arrived at 5.50pm.

It will be a backs-to-the-wall action by England’s batsmen today with 90 overs to see out to salvage the draw.

Sportsmail’s ADAM SHERGOLD brings you live commentary. 

 

 





By

Source link