The highly anticipated fourth Ashes 2023 Test between England and Australia went underway at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday (July 19). The match saw England win the toss and elect to bowl first, hoping to make early inroads into the Australian batting lineup.
Australia began their first innings cautiously, with David Warner and Usman Khawaja opening the batting. But Khawaja fell early and departed for just 3 runs off 19 deliveries. Although Warner looked in good touch and played some aggressive strokes, he also was dismissed for 32 runs off 38 balls.
Coming in at number three for Australia, Marnus Labuschagne (51) steadied the innings and displayed his class with a patient half-century. He formed a crucial partnership with Steve Smith, who also looked solid and contributed 41 runs from 52 deliveries. The duo added valuable runs to the Aussie total.
However, just when Australia seemed to be building a strong platform, England struck back with quick wickets. Labuschagne, who had reached a well-deserved fifty, fell victim to Moeen Ali‘s brilliant delivery on the first ball of the 47th over. The spinner managed to deceive Labuschagne with an off-break, resulting in a Leg Before Wicket (LBW) dismissal. Although the umpire wasn’t convinced with the England player’s call, the review by the English skipper Ben Stokes led to the match official overturning his not-out decision, and Labuschagne had to make his way back to the pavilion.
Here’s the video:
Mo gets Marnus 🙌
COME ON BOYS! 👊 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/zoCEP58n8e
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 19, 2023
Speaking of the match, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh are currently unbeaten for the Australian side as they went back to the dressing room for Tea Break with Australia at 187/4 after 49 overs.
England’s bowlers had a decent outing, with Moeen, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, and Mark Wood all picking up a wicket each. The match had been an intriguing battle so far, with Australia scoring at a brisk rate but England managing to take wickets at regular intervals.
