England vs. Australia, 4th Test, Day 3: Ruthless Hosts Regain the Ashes
It took just 41 minutes for England to bowl out Australia for the second time in the match on the third morning of the fourth Test, to win by an innings and 78 runs.
The result means that the home side are up 3-1 and so have won the series and regained the Ashes, having not held the urn since the 2013 series at home.
While the morning was short, plenty still happened to give both teams something to think about, even as England took three quick wickets to wrap things up.
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With the series now set to move to The Oval for the fifth and final Test, let’s take a look at some takeaways from the third day at Trent Bridge.
England show ruthlessness in the morning
When Australia resumed on 241-7, the home side would have been expecting some typical fight and resistance from the visitors’ tail, alongside Adam Voges.
It is typical of Australian teams to battle until the last wicket has fallen or the last run has been scored, so England would have been prepared for that.
However, the home side’s bowlers showed a ruthless streak that will give them great heart, as they took the final three wickets for 12 runs in just 41 minutes.
Ben Stokes got the ball rolling as he dismissed Mitchell Starc, then Mark Wood wrapped things up as he bowled both Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.
In the past, perhaps the Australians would have defended, resisted and dragged themselves out of the hole against the odds.
Due to a solid display by England with the ball, it was not to be.
Relief for Adam Voges
Coming into this game, Australian batsman Voges was under pressure like all his team-mates, having failed to play an innings of real substance on this tour.
He was unbeaten on 48 overnight, and after play resumed he reached a half-century that will give him some confidence, even in the midst of a terrible result for his team.
It may not be enough to save his Test match career, as he is 35 and Australia may want to look to the future and revamp an aging lineup.
However, it was a moment of welcome relief for the right-hander, who had to wait patiently for his chance in international cricket’s longest form.
A sad end for Michael Clarke
After this Test, Australia captain Michael Clarke announced he would retire from international cricket at the end of the fifth game at The Oval.
Having been captain since 2011, his batting has started to come under fire while his body struggles to cope with the rigours of the international game.
At one stage, Clarke was one of Australia’s best batsmen, and he was groomed for a long time as Ricky Ponting’s natural successor as captain.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and it is sad for Clarke that he will depart having lost the Ashes away from home in such an ignominious way.
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