Five gallons please!

Cardiff. First Ashes Test Day four

Preview
It's fine but we are expecting - indeed hoping - for rain or wondering if Jimmy Anderson could be right about taking a bunch of early wickets and then running up a big score. I used to go to Burnley, his home town, a lot and never quite understood their sense of humour, so I could be missing something here. England are now 66-1 to win this match and a draw would appear to be our only prospect. And, by the way, thanks for all those nice people who have already reminded me of my 3-1 forecast. Still time; but if we are to overcome those odds Anderson has a major part to play.

To lunch

Once again Australia did not lose a wicket in this session, Marcus North made a debut Ashes century and Brad Haddin reached fifty. England's out-cricket varied between bad and appalling and there was just brief spell of spin bowling by Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann when they threatened to get on top. At that point Swann had to go off with a finger injury and Andrew Strauss took the new ball.

Throughout this match the Aussies have played the more intelligent cricket. This sixth wicket pair never saw the need to attack as they reached 577-5 to lead by 142. Plenty of time to win the match. The rain stayed away and, as for the theory that a bunch of wickets might fall, it was more like the work of Hans Christian Anderson than a product of the brain of an experienced cricketer.

To tea

Ricky Ponting even seemed reluctant to declare when Haddin was out after scoring the fourth century of the innings of 674-6dec; a lead of 239 setting a long battle for England. Especially as the forecast rain did not appear. Five England bowlers conceded 100 runs. It is known in the trade as a "gallon" because at one time a bowler with such bad figures had to buy a gallon of beer for the fielders. The ale won't cause the headaches but the bowling will leave bowlers and selectors with a big pain between the ears. In seven overs to the interval, with the lights on and rain arriving, Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara were lbw and the writing on the wall was in big, black capitals.

To close

So at 20-2 the day ended. There are 98 overs on day five; plenty of time for England to lose and Australia to take the remaining eight wickets. Looks like a day for a captain's innings, Strauss. The weather forecast is for sunshine all day but only if you are an Australian.