Twitter Reactions: England lose late crucial wickets in their 268-run persuit on Day 4, sets up thrilling final day

Australia Women’s Cricket. (Photo Source: Jan Kruger – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)

England concluded with 116 runs on Day 4, needing 152 runs to win the One-off Women’s Ashes Test at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham on the final day. Notably, the Aussies set up a 268-run target after they bundled out for 257 runs in the third innings on Day 4.

At the start of the day’s play, Australia were well on course to post a mammoth total as they concluded Day 3 with 82 runs without any loss of wickets. However, a spirited English bowling attack came all guns blazing and landed the required blows to get back into the contest.

The Aussies lost three wickets at the stroke of Lunch, as they managed to score 157 runs. Soon after, Beth Mooney was sent packing after scoring a magnificent 168-ball 83 which featured 10 boundaries. As the wickets fell at regular intervals, down the order, skipper Alyssa Healy carved out a breezy knock, getting 50 off just 62 balls cracking six boundaries.

Australia were eventually restricted to 257 runs, thereby setting a 268-run target for the English side. Meanwhile, Sophie Ecclestone returned a five-wicket haul for 63 runs in her 30.5 overs whereas Lauren Filer and Kate Cross got two wickets each to wrap up the innings. Notably, Ecclestone got 10 scalps in the contest, making her the fourth-ever Englishwoman to do so in Test cricket.

In reply to the total, the opening pair of Emma Lamb and Tammy Beaumont got off to a brisk start which comfortably kept England in the front. Getting the boundaries with ease, the pair swiftly raised a fifty-run partnership to extend their domination.

At Drinks, the Three Lions got 55 runs for the loss of no wickets. However, it was only after the break that the Aussies clawed their way back into the contest. Shortly post-drinks, Australia got the prized scalps of Beaumont and Lamb for 59 runs.

Later, Ashleigh Gardner wreaked havoc with the ball as she got the crucial wickets of Nat Sciver-Brunt and skipper Heather Knight, whereas Kim Garth got the scalp of Sophia Dunkley to reduce England to 110/5 in the chase. England eventually concluded with 116 runs and will need 152 runs to win the Test, as an exciting final is on the cards.

Here’s how Twitter buzzed on Day 4 of the Women’s Ashes Test:

England 116/5 at Day 4 Stumps

– 90 overs remaining.
– England need 152 runs.
– Australia need 5 wickets.

An exciting and thrilling Day 5 loading,

What a fantastic start to the Women’s Ashes 🔥#ENGvAUS #Ashes