The opening Test of the Ashes 2023 between Australia and England at Edgbaston continues to captivate cricket fans with its thrilling and fiercely contested nature. Both teams have a realistic chance of victory, but the match remains wide open. After a solid performance from Australia’s bowlers that restricted England to 273 runs in the second innings, the hosts fought back by claiming three wickets before the end of Day 4. Though brief, Joe Root’s impactful batting left a lasting impression on the Australian players.
However, former England captain Kevin Pietersen’s praise for Root was met with a humorous response from Ricky Ponting during a live chat. As the match heads into its final day, Australia needs 174 more runs to achieve the target of 281 set by England.
Joe Root’s contribution of 40 runs in the second innings showcased his prowess and had a noticeable impact on the Australian players. In a chat with Ricky Ponting, Kevin Pietersen couldn’t help but heap praise on Root, highlighting how he controlled the game and left the opposition bewildered. However, Ponting, not wanting to entertain excessive praise for the opposition, humorously reminded Pietersen that Root had already been dismissed after his valuable innings.
“Joe Root owned the game. He ran the game, he was pure quality, and he just owned that space, with (Australia) scratching their heads going ‘what do we do?'” Pietersen said.
Ponting replied: “Well, he’s out now. He got 40”.
Peak alpha stuff from Punter here that @gradecricketer would be proud of:
— Josh Conway (@BuzzConway_) June 19, 2023
✅ speaks only in sidemouth while looking disinterested
✅ Shuts down some waffle in one sentence
✅ Rounds down the oppositions score
RTP still terrorising England.#Ashes pic.twitter.com/TX5KXoJYQm
Late on Day 4, Stuart Broad’s double breakthrough boosted England, leaving Australia at 107-3 in pursuit of the target of 281 runs on the final day. The target mirrors a memorable finale at Edgbaston 18 years ago when England secured a dramatic two-run victory en route to a 2-1 series triumph. Broad, while aiming for an Ashes triumph on par with the celebrated 2005 campaign, hopes to avoid a repeat of that nerve-wracking conclusion at Edgbaston.
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As the first Test of the Ashes 2023 heads into its final day, the match is finely poised, promising a gripping climax. Australia, requiring 174 more runs for victory, will need to showcase their batting prowess against a determined English bowling attack. On the other hand, England will be eager to maintain their dominance and secure crucial wickets to seal the match in their favor. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide await the outcome of this thrilling encounter as both teams battle it out for a winning start to this prestigious Test series.
