ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights: In a captivating twist of events on the penultimate day of the one-off Women’s Ashes Test in Nottingham, Australia made a remarkable comeback to leave England reeling at 116/5 in their pursuit of 268.
The hosts, initially holding the upper hand, suffered a collapse of 4 for 18, courtesy of Sophie Ecclestone’s exceptional fifer and Lauren Filer’s crucial strikes. As per the ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights, despite a positive start to their chase, England found themselves under pressure due to Australia’s strong bowling display, led by the impressive Ash Gardner. With both teams still in the hunt for a four-point lead in the multi-format series opener, the final day promises to be a gripping encounter.
ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights: Wind Blows in Australia’s Way
According to ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights, When play resumed on day four, Australia’s openers, Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield, continued their steady progress from the previous day. Mooney was in fine form, while Litchfield fell agonizingly short of a maiden half-century after being dismissed by a beautiful inswinger from Kate Cross. England’s fielding woes continued as they dropped Mooney early in her innings, and she took full advantage, playing with positive intent. Ellyse Perry took time to settle but provided a crucial partnership with Mooney.
According to the ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights, England’s fortunes changed dramatically in the session, primarily due to the impressive bowling of Lauren Filer. She removed Perry for the second time in the match and then breached the defense of Tahlia McGrath, reducing Australia to 157/3 at Lunch. The home side’s success continued after the break, with Ecclestone taking center stage. Australia’s scoring rate slowed, resulting in the dismissal of Jess Jonassen for just 14.
According to ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights, Annabel Sutherland briefly counterattacked, hitting three boundaries off Cross. However, Ecclestone struck again, denying Mooney a chance to reach a century as she chopped the ball onto her stumps, falling 15 runs short. As per the ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights, Gardner came and went quickly, with Ecclestone claiming her wicket as well. Sutherland also fell to Ecclestone, top-edging a pull shot for an easy catch. At 198/7, Australia found themselves in a precarious position, but their captain had other plans.
After three consecutive ducks in Ashes Tests, Alyssa Healy launched a counterattack to revive Australia’s hopes of setting a challenging total. With an unbeaten half-century stand, the eighth-wicket partnership guided Australia to Tea with a lead of 264 and three wickets in hand. Healy played a pivotal role, just three runs shy of a potentially match-winning fifty.
However, Australia’s fortunes took a sharp turn after Tea. Healy reached her fifty but England struck back, with Lauren Bell dismissing King and Ecclestone removing Healy and Darcie Brown in quick succession. Australia’s second innings came to an end at 257.
With the momentum firmly on their side, England’s openers, Tammy Beaumont and Emma Lamb, started the chase briskly. Boundaries flowed freely as they accelerated to a run rate of six per over in the first eight overs. Australia tried various bowling changes, but even Annabel Sutherland, brought into the attack, couldn’t contain Lamb, who rode her luck with edges that eluded the fielders. The opening pair raised England’s first fifty in just 8.3 overs.
Desperate for a breakthrough, Australia turned to Ash Gardner, and her captaincy decision paid off as she dismissed Beaumont, caught at first slip. As per the ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights, the wickets continued to tumble for England, with Lamb falling to McGrath. Heather Knight tried to counterattack, hitting Gardner for a six, but she lost her wicket in the same over, trapped LBW by the spinner. England went from 55/0 to 73/4 in no time, and survival mode kicked in.
As the run rate dropped, Australia continued to apply pressure. A late bowling change brought success as Kim Garth had Sophia Dunkley caught behind, claiming her maiden Test wicket. According to the ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights, Five wickets fell in the final hour of play, swinging the game in Australia’s favor. Danni Wyatt held the fort for England with an unbeaten 20*, but they still require 152 runs on the final day.
With England facing a daunting task, Australia’s comeback has given them the upper hand. Alyssa Healy’s courageous knock and Beth Mooney’s impressive innings have bolstered Australia’s chances.
However, the match remains finely balanced, and the first hour of play on the final day will be crucial in determining the ultimate outcome. Both teams will rely on their bowlers to make a decisive impact on a wicket that promises to offer assistance. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this enthralling contest.
For more, check out: ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights
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