Australia might still wreck England’s ‘perfect day’
“There are a few more twists and turns in this match yet.”
No, these are not the utterances from the Delphic Oracle. In cricketing teams, however, there’s just about as much wisdom because they come from the mouth of former Australian bowling great, Glenn McGrath.
Of course, McGrath, who made his comment to the BBC, was referring to the Third Ashes Test at Headingley, where the outcome of a titanic struggle hangs in the balance, although Ben Stokes’ England team is in a stronger position.
Not since the notorious Bodyline Tests in Australia 90 years ago has there been so much hanging on the outcome, particularly for an England beleaguered by political scandal, the Brexit muddle, a sliding economy, and a gnawing sense of national decline.
Victory at Headingley would keep England’s dim hopes for an overall Ashes series triumph alive, but only just; with two days play remaining in the Third Test, Australia is still 2-0 up in a five-Test series.
On the eve of day four, England requires another 224 runs to win the third Test after rain restricted day three to just one session of play.
According to the Third Test scorecard, the hosts were set a second innings total of 251, and were 0/27 at the close of play.
Reflecting rising optimism among England supporters, former Captain Michael Vaughan told the BBC: ”England have had a perfect day.
“I think England will get there, but it will be dramatic. We’re in for a few hairy moments.”
Australia’s McGrath was more cautious, but held out tentative hope for another Test win for the visitors.
“Australia have to remain patient, “McGrath told the BBC, but “there’s enough variable bounce in this pitch”.
Playing after rain delayed play until after tea on day three, conditions favoured the
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