Agonisingly close.
Australia have already won the Ashes, but there is still pride to be played for, and the opportunity for young debutants to test themselves.
Surrey fast bowler Tom Curran was given that chance for the fourth test after Craig Overton’s injury ruled him out of the Melbourne test.
He almost began his Test career with the sweetest of wickets. David Warner was stuck on 99 runs for 17 minutes, before Tom Curran bowled what seemed to be the perfect delivery. Warner mishit the ball high into the hair, giving Stuart Broad an easy catch.
It would have been the perfect first Test wicket, but just as Warner was walking back to the dressing room, the big screen offered him a lifeline as the umpire gave a no-ball; a dubious call, with some angles showing Curran’s foot to be just on the line.
ICYMI: Warner survives 😮
When you're on 99, get caught…but still get your century!#ItsTheAshes pic.twitter.com/clpsd4Ti0x
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 26, 2017
Curran described missing out on this wicket as the “worst feeling”, but joked that at least he’ll get to take his first wicket twice.
England now face the hard task of getting Aussie captain Steven Smith out on a batting-friendly pitch, with the hosts cruising at 244-3. Curran will be desperate to make amends and get that wicket, and the sooner it comes the better chance England have of avoiding another embarrassment in this Test.
