BBC iPlayer Day Two Highlights – Extended Footage
- Day two of the Fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford saw a spirited fightback from England, spearheaded by a remarkable century from Zak Crawley.
- Zak Crawley's innings of 189 was the defining performance of the day for England.
- After Crawley's dismissal, the Australian bowlers found their rhythm, taking key wickets to halt England's momentum.
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England Battles Back, But Australia Retains Control in Fourth Ashes Test
What Happened on Day Two?
Day two of the Fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford saw a spirited fightback from England, spearheaded by a remarkable century from Zak Crawley. However, Australia maintained a firm grip on the match, ending the day with a significant lead despite losing wickets late in the session. The fluctuating fortunes of the day underscored the intense competition defining this Ashes series.
Crawley’s Century: A Lone Bright Spot for England
Zak Crawley’s innings of 189 was the defining performance of the day for England. He reached his century with a boundary and continued to attack, hitting 21 fours and a six in his 267-ball knock. This was Crawley’s first century in nearly two years, and a crucial innings for his confidence and England’s hopes. Though, support was lacking, with joe Root (46) offering the next highest score.
Australian Bowling Strikes Back
After Crawley’s dismissal, the Australian bowlers found their rhythm, taking key wickets to halt England’s momentum. Josh Hazlewood proved particularly effective, finishing with figures of 4-48. Scott Boland also chipped in with two wickets, demonstrating Australia’s depth in bowling attack. The late wickets ensured Australia retained control, despite Crawley’s earlier dominance.
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hazlewood | 21 | 6 | 69 | 4 |
| Scott Boland | 17 | 3 | 49 | 2 |
| Mitchell Starc | 16 | 2 | 82 | 1 |
| Nathan Lyon | 30 | 10 | 82 | 1 |
Australia’s First Innings: A Solid Foundation
Australia had earlier posted a competitive first innings total of 317, built around steve Smith’s 54 and contributions from Marnus labuschagne (46) and Travis Head (48). England’s bowlers struggled to consistently trouble the Australian batsmen, with James Anderson being the most successful, taking 3-58. the Australian innings was characterized by solid partnerships and a disciplined approach.
The Turning Point: Late Wickets
The dismissal of ben Stokes for 16 proved to be a significant turning point. Stokes’ aggressive approach had threatened to take the game away from Australia, but his wicket halted England’s progress. The subsequent fall of wickets, including Harry Brook and Chris Woakes, further tilted the balance in Australia’s favor. These late strikes demonstrated Australia’s ability to capitalize on pressure moments.