Australia’s decision to bolster their batting by including two allrounders has not delivered the dividend hoped after England’s seamers claimed regular wickets and their Ashes rivals squandered a series of starts in the fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Sent into bat on a pacy but mostly true pitch, Australia ended a sun-soaked day 8-299 but knowing that position might have been decidedly stronger in a game they need only draw to retain the urn they’ve held since 2017-18.
If Australia is to take solace from another frustrating day of missed batting opportunities, they might find it in history.
Not only are England seeking to become the first team to win a Test at Old Trafford after sending in their opponent, of the 31 prior matches Australia have played at the venue they have never lost after posting a first innings score of…