Sthalekar Stars again

A brilliant all-round performance from Australia’s Lisa Sthalekar left the Ashes Test match intriguingly poised with one day of the game remaining.

Sthalekar made an outstanding 95* as Australia closed on 195-4, giving them a lead of 105 runs over their arch rivals.
Resuming on 222-7, England lost three quick wickets as they were bowled out for 244, giving them a first innings lead of 90 runs.

But another brilliant spell of bowling from Isa Guha gave her side hope as she destroyed the Australian top order with three quick wickets, reducing the home team to 34-3.

However a 107-run partnership between Sthalekar and Nitschke helped Australia recover to 141-3, before Holly Colvin finally broke the partnership.

Sthalekar and Kate Blackwell then safely guided Australia to the close without the loss of another wicket.

England’s star bowler, Isa Guha, who now has eight wickets in the match, said: “The game is well set-up for an exciting finish. We didn’t maintain the pressure on the Australians as a bowling unit and gave away too many loose balls to enable them to capitalise.

“However tomorrow is another day and we’re prepared to come out and show again how strong a bowling unit we can be. We’re determined to take the Ashes home with us and are all looking forward to tomorrow.”