Will Ponting’s dismissal turn Ashes 2009 in England’s favour?

Hosts England gave themselves a slimmer of hope of clinching the third Ashes Test of Ashes 2009 after dismissing Ricky Ponting on the fourth day at Edgbaston. 

The reigning champions Australia were were 88 for two in their second innings at close of play and still need another 25 runs on the final day to make England bat again. Graham Onions was the wreaker-in-chief, striking in the third over of his spell, when an delivery that was full and had a great length foxed Australia opener Simon Katich to edge it England wicket-keeper Matthew Prior.

England offie Graeme Swann delivered a classic off-spinner to beat Ponting’s defenses and made him take the long walk back to the pavilion.  Earlier, England’s talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff put his team on top with his enterprising 74, in a stadium where he had scored two valuable fifties in England’s nailbiting two-run Ashes win four years ago, was the centrepiece of the home side’s 376, giving them a solid lead of 113. They were on the backfoot at 168 for five, 93 runs behind, when Flintoff came to the crease.

But he shared valuable and rapid partnerships of 89 and 52 with Prior and Stuart Broad respectively, with Broad going on to make 55.

At the close, recalled all-rounder Shane Watson, who top-scored with 62 in Australia’s first innings 263, was 34 not out and Michael Hussey 18 not out.

England need eight wickets in quick time to shut Australia out of the reach of Ashes 2009. Will they bowl Oz out cheaply? Read this space for more……