Aussies in a spin as Swann leads Trent Bridge victory charge
Published:The First Test of the 2013 Ashes continues to enthral and delight but it’s England who will sleep happier tonight.
Starting the fourth day on 326/6, Stuart Broad and Ian Bell progressed comfortable to their respective milestones before the Nottinghamshire paceman fell for 65, this time walking, as he edged behind.
Bell followed fifteen runs later, also nicking one through to Brad Haddin, but not before scoring the most important century of his career.
And after Swann and Anderson fell like dominoes, Australia would have been relatively pleased with their morning’s work despite requiring a 4th innings Trent Bridge record of 311 to win.
Momentum continued with the Aussies as openers Shane Watson and Chris Rogers put on 84 vital runs but when the all-rounder was trapped leg before by Stuart Broad, the procession of Baggy Green batsman began arriving in the middle at regular intervals.
The key wicket of Michael Clarke, who feathered a nick through to Prior off Broad with the score on 161, put England firmly on top.
With Steve Smith and Phil Hughes falling for the addition of just three more runs, the close of play left Australia staring down the barrel at 174/6, still 137 runs adrift of their target.
Hope lies in the shape of first innings sensation Ashton Agar but will lightning strike twice?
If you think so, then a price of 5/6 is available on the left-hander, currently unbeaten on one, to score more than 15.5 runs.
While supporters wearing green and gold tinted visors may cling in hope to the bigger price of 10/3 that the boys from Down Under could still pull off an almighty shock.
For those who believe Alastair Cook and co are home and hosed, snap up the 2/9 on the hosts and get planning your sickie from work for next Thursday when the 2nd Test begins .
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
