Preamble
Right then. What can today bring? In terms of an interesting result, with 108 overs in the day, there are two possible options. One is that England smash another 72 runs in say 15 overs, leaving Australia maybe 30 overs to pile on some runs of their own, then declare to set England a vaguely plausible target. That’s if both sides are willing to take a punt on getting a decent finish and a chance at a result.
The second option is that Australia take four wickets in a hurry and make England bat again, meaning there’s a proper survival innings to play for the rest of the day.
But the more likely option judging by their play last night is that England won’t try to do either of these things, and we’ll play for a pointless draw. The only points of interest there will be whether any of the bowlers or batters can reach some sort of milestone for their own personal satisfaction, starting with Sciver’s chance at a century and Molineux having a shot at five wickets.
Ultimately there is no refuge in a draw for England, because drawing still guarantees they can’t win back the Ashes in this series – it would leave them trailing 8 points to 2, with 6 possible points in the T20s and Australia retaining the trophy. So they shouldn’t be trying to play out a draw, and they shouldn’t be imagining that saving the match will mean anything. But based on their work last night, I have a sneaking feeling they will do that and think that anyway. Prove me wrong, go on.