Ponting in danger of becoming the first Australia captain in over a century to lose two Ashes series in England
Ponting in danger of becoming the first Australia captain in over a century to lose two Ashes series in Englandu00a0
Jonathan Trott's debut hundred left England eyeing a stunning Ashes triumph as they closed in on a series-clinching victory in the fifth and deciding Test at the Oval here on Saturday.
Australia, at stumps on the third day, were 80 without loss, still needing a further 466 runs to reach what would be a new Test record fourth innings victory total of 546.
Trott's 119 was the centrepiece of England's second innings 373 for nine declared in a match where a win would see them regain the Ashes by taking the series 2-1.
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But openers Shane Watson (31 not out) and Simon Katich (42 not out) ensured Australia made a sound start to their imposing chase.
England, at tea, were 290 for seven. Trott was 83 not out and Graeme Swann 34 not out, with part-time Australia spinner Marcus North taking Test-best figures of four for 98.
Australia took the new ball immediately after tea but England responded by thrashing their pace bowlers for 83 runs in 12 overs. Swann, dropped on 47 by Ponting, made a dashing 63 off just 55 balls as he added 90 for the eighth wicket with Trott at better than a run-a-ball.
A clipped four took South Africa-born Trott to a hundred in 182 balls with nine boundaries in just over five hours.
Brief scores
England (first innings) 332, Australia (first innings) 160, England (second innings) 373 for 9 decl, Australia (second innings) 80 for no loss (S Watson 31 no, S Katich 42 no)
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