Source: Telegraph
The Ashes: England v Australia Second Test day five preview
- Read The Ashes, second Test, day four report[LNB]The mammoth partnership between Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin last night demonstrated how difficult it is to take wickets at Lord's with an old ball. England will have a new one in their hands when play starts today, and it is absolutely crucial that they put it to good use.[LNB] Related ArticlesSecond Test day four: reportPietersen doubt for third TestSwann: No panic in England campFlintoff the man to finish the jobPonting does not deserve ridiculeFlintoff defies injury to strike fearIn normal circumstances, you would expect James Anderson and Andrew Flintoff to make an early breakthrough, exposing a lesser batsman at least one end so that England can chip away at their opponents. But Anderson has been below par in this innings, and Flintoff's left knee is just about at breaking point. It must be doubtful whether he can give his best two days in a row.[LNB]Clarke and Haddin will feel that the pressure is all on England at the moment. Chasing 522 to win, the Australians cannot be realistically expected to overhaul a target that would extend the Test record by fully 104 runs. (The previous-highest fourth-innings run chase was 418 for seven by the West Indies against Australia, six years ago.)[LNB]But if the runs keep coming, and the target starts to hove into view, then it is possible that the Australians could suddenly find themselves thinking hard about making history. The point at which you sense victory is the point where you are most vulnerable, as the Edgbaston Test of 2005 demonstrated. England will be praying that this game does not go down to the wire in such agonising style.[LNB]
