26-06-2023, 02:00
Highs and lows on the fourth day, two phenomenal bursts with the ball from Lauren Filer and Sophie Ecclestone (claiming 10 wickets in the match, the first to do so in this fixture since Lucy Pearson in 2003, and the fourth-best match figures of all time for an England bowler) skittling Australia and setting a steep target of 268 to win, but despite a solid start with the bat, an evening collapse has pretty much pulled the rug out from under England's chase. There were a couple of desperately unlucky LBW decisions, the finger getting raised on visibly marginal calls that most umpires would be reluctant to give, but 116-5 at stumps is the result.
Nothing much to lose by going for it tomorrow, the forecast's good and they're not going to block out the day with just five wickets. Danni Wyatt and Sophie Ecclestone can both swing the bat, and they might just give Australia something to think about.
Nothing much to lose by going for it tomorrow, the forecast's good and they're not going to block out the day with just five wickets. Danni Wyatt and Sophie Ecclestone can both swing the bat, and they might just give Australia something to think about.
"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley