The fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum on the second day, as England's bowlers produced a sensational morning session to put their side firmly in the driver's seat. Australia, resuming from an overnight score of 107 for 3, suffered a spectacular collapse, losing six wickets for just 90 runs to stumble to 197 for 7 at lunch. This sudden downturn has given England a palpable opportunity to snap their long-standing winless streak in Test matches on Australian soil, a drought that has persisted since 2001.
Morning Session Carnage: Australian Batting Crumbles
The day began with Australia's overnight batsmen, Marnus Labuschagne (44) and Mitchell Marsh (26), looking to build a substantial partnership. However, the English attack, led superbly by the returning Chris Woakes, had other plans. The breakthrough came early when Woakes, with just his third ball of the day, dismissed the dangerous Marsh, caught behind by Jonny Bairstow for 26.
This wicket opened the floodgates. Labuschagne, who had looked solid, fell soon after for 51, edging a Stuart Broad delivery to Joe Root at first slip. The Australian innings then went into a tailspin. Cameron Green managed only 3 runs before being trapped LBW by a sharp inswinger from Woakes. The Australian wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, followed for 2, caught brilliantly by a diving Ben Stokes off the bowling of James Anderson.
The procession continued as Mitchell Starc was cleaned up by Woakes for a quickfire 15, and Pat Cummins was dismissed for a single run, leaving the visitors reeling. The damage was primarily done by Chris Woakes, who claimed three crucial wickets in the session, ably supported by Stuart Broad and James Anderson. The Australian lower order had no answer to the disciplined and relentless English seam attack under overcast Manchester skies.
England's Historic Opportunity and Tactical Prowess
This dramatic collapse has presented England with their clearest chance in years to secure a Test victory in Australia. The last time England won an Ashes Test on Australian turf was in Sydney in January 2011, and their last series win Down Under was in the 2010-11 tour. The current situation at Old Trafford, with Australia still trailing significantly and only three wickets in hand, puts England in a commanding position to level the series at 2-2 and set up a decider at The Oval.
The tactical acumen of captain Ben Stokes and the precision of his bowlers were on full display. The decision to bring Woakes into the attack early paid rich dividends. Furthermore, the relentless pressure built from both ends never allowed the new Australian batsmen to settle. The field placements were aggressive, and the catching, exemplified by Stokes's effort to remove Carey, was sharp.
At the lunch break, Australia's score stood at a precarious 197 for 7, with Usman Khawaja (58*) holding one end up but rapidly running out of partners. The unbeaten batsmen were Khawaja and tailender Josh Hazlewood. With a lead of over 150 runs already in the bank from their first innings, England will look to wrap up the Australian innings quickly in the post-lunch session and then potentially enforce the follow-on, depending on the conditions and the size of the lead.
Path Forward in the Ashes 2023 Series
The momentum in this crucial Ashes 2023 contest has swung decisively towards England. If they manage to win this Test, the series will be levelled at 2-2, making the final Test at The Oval a winner-takes-all showdown for the coveted urn. Australia, who retained the Ashes after the rain-affected draw at Manchester in the previous series, now face a stern test of character to avoid a defeat that would keep the series alive.
The afternoon session on Day 2 will be critical. England will aim to dismiss the remaining Australian batsmen with minimal addition to the total. A swift end to the innings could allow them to bat again and set an intimidating target or, if the lead is substantial enough, consider enforcing the follow-on to keep the Australian bowlers tired and their batsmen under immediate pressure. The Old Trafford pitch is showing signs of assistance for the bowlers, and England will be keen to exploit that to the fullest.
For Australia, the task is one of damage limitation. Usman Khawaja will need to farm the strike and eke out as many runs as possible with the tail. Every run added will be crucial in reducing the deficit and potentially sparing them from the possibility of following on. The resilience of their lower order, often a strength, will be tested to its limits against a charged-up English bowling unit smelling blood and a historic victory.
