Ashes 2013: Australia extend lead to 296 at tea as rain threat looms large

David Warner scored 41 against England in the second innings of the third Test at Old Trafford © Getty Images

By Sarang Bhalerao

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Aug 4, 2013

Rain halts Australia march as the visitors extend their lead to 296 at tea on Day Four of the third Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford. Michael Clarke (14 not out) and Brad Haddin (0 not out) are unbeaten at tea.

It was a session where Australia were looking to build their lead. Australia scored 113 runs but lost four wickets in the second session. David Warner got the visitors off to a great start and vindicated his promotion at that slot in place of out-of-sorts Shane Watson. In the post-lunch session Warner looked to take the attack to England. When Broad looked to bounce Warner he went for a hook shot and there was a huge appeal from the England camp. But umpire didn’t give the decision in home team’s favour and England went for the review. For the umpteenth time there was a little controversy as the technology upheld umpire’s call but snickometer registered an edge. Warner continued to blossom and scored an attacking 41.

Warner was out pulling Bresnan towards deep square-leg where Joe Root held his catch. This brought huge cheer and jeering at Old Trafford. But Warner’s knock had given Australia a solid launching pad. At No 4 Watson walked in and looked to play freely.

England skipper Cook had employed an in and out field. Australian batsmen were looking to maneuver the ball around to take their lead forward. Khawaja tried to work Swann towards the on-side but walked far too across his stumps and he was bowled for 24. In the next over Watson guided Bresnan’s short delivery to Kevin Pietersen at third-man.  

Steven Smith hit a couple of sixes towards long-off and gave Australia’s innings a boost. But he ran himself out at 18.

Australia are on top but if it continues to rain the visitors will fancy their chances of retaining the urn.
 
Brief scores:

Australia 527 for 7 decl. (Chris Rogers 84, Michael Clarke 187, Steven Smith 89; Graeme Swann 5 for 159) and 137 for 5 (David Warner 41; Tim Bresnan 2 for 25) lead England 368 (Alastair Cook 62, Kevin Pietersen 113, Ian Bell 60; Peter Siddle 4 for 63) by 296 runs. 

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(Sarang Bhalerao hails from a family of doctors, but did his engineering. He then dumped a career in IT with Infosys to follow his heart and passion and became a writer with CricketCountry. A voracious reader, Sarang aspires to beat Google with his knowledge of the game! You can follow him on Twitter here)