- Sep 9, 2020
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There was mention during this evening's session that the thinking was always to keep Australia behind on the scoreboard to maximise the pressure. If England had declared with a lead of (eg) 200 then the pressure starts to lift when Australia get in front and start building a lead (which they'd possibly be doing about now were that the case).With the forecast the way it was and being so ahead in the game, I am not sure the merits of batting so long as we did.
Thought Lunch was the perfect time to declare.
That extra 90ish minutes could've easily bought a few more wickets and possibly even a time extension if the win looked possible.
Seemed a very un Bazball decision.
So I can see why England kept batting. Either way, whether chasing a relatively small target, or having to bowl the Aussies out without needing to bat again, England will need a session and a half from here to get the job done. Now it's down to the weather.
Edit to add: In effect, England did their run chase this afternoon, rather than Sunday evening.