England take advantage of Australia in Cardiff

Report on England's 169-run victory on day four at the Swalec

England won by 169 runs on day four of the first Ashes Test at Cardiff in clinical style after dismissing Australia for 242. The 412 needed for Australia to win always seemed unlikely on what was billed as a deteriorating pitch but the manner that England finished the job today will encourage home support for the rest of the series. 

Australia were 97 for 1 on the penultimate ball of the first session, excellent new-ball spells from James Anderson and Stuart Broad not getting the rewards they deserved. The wicket of David Warner (52) to Moeen Ali on the final ball before lunch proved pivotal. Soon, 97 for 1 became 106 for 5. The top order looked vulnerable. Steve Smith and Michael Clarke were both loose outside off stump, falling to Broad who finished with 3 for 39. Resistance came from Mitchell Johnson who top scored with 77 but the damage was done by tea with the score at 162 for 7. Ali and Joe Root finished the game off getting rid of the tail with Root taking the final catch off the bowling of Ali. 

Root picked up the man of the match award after his scores of 134 and 60 along with the wickets of Johnson and Mitchell Starc in the second innings.

Australia have concerns. Their arsenal of fast bowlers now seem mortal. With Ryan Harris’ abrupt retirement, a semi-injured Starc and Johnson’s match figures of 2 for 180, Australia have have something to think about. They didn’t need to do much of that in 2013/14.

England seized the advantage here. If Australia could be accused of being underprepared, they will  make sure it doesn’t happen again. England must carry on in the way they’ve started. They know Johnson will not be kept down all series, they know Smith and Clarke will not keep gifting their wickets and Australia will find new ways to figure batsmen out but England have outclassed their opponents at the Swalec. 

Not many predicted it but England are one-nil up, and it’s Australia who are left asking questions.