SYDNEY: Australia will look to recover from the setback of skipper Ricky Ponting’s run out and seize an innings lead in the final Ashes Test after England hit back on Wednesday’s second day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Ponting’s miscalculation provided England with an unexpected opportunity to get back into the fifth Test before Mike Hussey and Andrew Symonds helped restore the innings late on the rain-hit day.
At stumps, Australia had worked their way to 188 for four and trailed England by 103 runs with the consistent Hussey on 37 off 98 balls and Symonds on 22 from 34 balls.
England, 4-0 down and facing a rare series whitewash, are defending what appears a below-par 291 in their first innings. Australia were 118 for two when the Australian captain attempted a risky single off spinner Monty Panesar.
Ponting, cruising along without threat from the English bowlers, was caught out of his ground by a throw from James Anderson, fielding at mid-off. Australia’s big batting threat, with two centuries and 576 runs in the series, was sent on his way by the video umpire for 45 to give the tourists a crack at Australia’s middle order.
There were further repercussions when No.5 Michael Clarke was caught behind to give a recharged Steve Harmison his second wicket. “England have got a bit of an opportunity.
We’ll see how things go in the morning. If we can put on a good partnership first off then we can take it away from them,” retiring Australian paceman Glenn McGrath said.
Harmison, who bowled with the zest and bounce missing from the early Tests in the series, took 2-34 off 16 overs. Australia lost both openers — Langer for 26 and Matthew Hayden for 33 — before tea.
Earlier, England had lost their last six wickets for 57 off 18 overs to be dismissed for 291 shortly before lunch.
Andrew Flintoff fought a lone vigil for 89 as the England tail crumbled after the side resumed at 234 for four.
