Xtra Time Web Desk : Australia took a 1-0 lead against England on Day 4 of the first Ashes test at Gabba on Saturday. England got bundled out for 297 after they were 220/2 at one stage. The visitors added only 77 runs and lost eight wickets. Requiring 20 runs, Australia lost stop gap opener Alex Carey (9) while openers Marcus Harris (9*) and Marnus Labuschagne (0*) took the team home, thereby helping the team win by 9 wickets.
The day also saw veteran off spinner Nathan Lyon reach the 400 wicket mark, after he took 4 wickets to crumble the visitors’ batting line up.
The Aussies started Day 4 of the Ashes 1st Test on a great note. In the first 30 mins of the play itself, both overnight batsman Dawid Malan & captain Joe Root were sent back to the pavilion. Nathan Lyon got his wicket no. 4OOth as he got Malan out to end 162 Runs partnership
Root was dismissed for 89 while Malan went out for 82. Lyon picked 4 wickets for 91 runs in 32 overs. Captain Pat Cummins & Cameron Green chipped in with 2 each.
Earlier in the test match, England were bowled out in the first innings for a score of just 147 after winning the toss and electing to bat. Australia’s new test captain Pat Cummins was the pick of the Aussie bowlers as he took a record breaking 5-fer at the Gabba to restrict the visitors to a low score.
The home team then scored 425 runs in the first innings to take a humongous lead of 278 runs, courtesy a record breaking ton by Travis Head. He was supported by David Warner, who scored 94 runs. Although Joe Root’s men fought back on the day 3 to nullify the Australian bowlers and score 220 runs at the loss of 2 wickets, but Saturday was a completely different affair as the hosts bowled brilliantly, courtesy of an excellent spell by Lyon to seal an easy victory.
Now, with Australia taking a 1-0 lead in the Ashes, it would be interesting to see how England can make a comeback.