Broad announced his retirement, just moments after England finished 389 for nine, at a touch under five an over, after another magnificent day of entertainment, better than anything on offer in the West End. Only once before has a team scored more in the fourth innings to win an Ashes Test. Naturally, that involved Donald Bradman, but this pitch is still true. One more twist?
This was an allround, dominant England batting performance and that has generally characterised this series, rather than one player carrying the rest on his shoulders. There was a collapse of five for 47 in the final hour as England slogged but before then it was total domination with Joe Root making a superbly paced 91 and Jonny Bairstow an at times brutish 78. Australia were simply hoping for batsmen error.
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett have solidified their partnership in this series, both enhancing their reputations and they gave England the start they needed, putting on 79 for the first wicket in 104 balls, Australia conceded 13 off the first over bowled by Mitchell Starc, their most expensive opening over in Ashes history. And that was just the beginning.
After the soporific, timid batting by Australia on day two, this was like watching a different sport. Australia scored 56 in the first session on Friday, England matched that within 9.5 overs. Â
Crawley continued after the departure of Duckett to smash Australia, his hitting clean and precise. Of the first 50 he put on with Stokes, the England captain contributed just 11. Crawley fell for 73 from 76 balls ensuring his series average was over 50, silencing his critics and and making him unmovable at the top of the order.Â
But the loss of Ben Stokes, Crawley and Harry Brook in quick succession was the chink of light Australia needed and would have the proved the point to themselves that England always give them a chance.
