The return of Steve Smith is turning out to be one of the most influential stories for aspiring cricketers. He has been the pillar for his side this series. After a fantastic double century in the first innings at Manchester, he hit almost run-a-ball 82 in the second innings. This helped the Kangaroos post a target of 383 for the hosts.
With this knock, Smith has leveled the record for the most consecutive half-centuries against a particular opposition in tests. He now has 9 consecutive scores of 50+ against the poms. Only Inzamam-ul-Haq is the other player to score the same number of half-centuries against an opposition (Surprisingly, England again).
Smith has been breaking several records in this series. Though he wasn”t a part of the third Test at Headingley, he tops the batting charts in the Ashes. He now has 671 runs to his bag at an impeccable average of 134.20.
Australia on driver”s seat
After setting a target of 383, Pat Cummins provided a crucial breakthrough by picking two wickets in succession. He dismissed both Joe Root and Rory Burns for a duck in the first over itself.
The poms need 365 runs on the final day at the Old Tafford with 8 wickets in their hand.
Can the Kangaroos retain the Ashes? Will they register their first Ashes victory in England which has been a long due since 2001?