By the end of the fourth day of the first Investec Ashes Test, three wickets in as many overs in the final session seem to have swung this enthralling match back in England's favour, as Australia chase the 311 they need for victory.The Templeton team were on hand to ensure that all went smoothly when our cricket fans needed refreshments. It was a scorchingly hot day, with the sun shining directly on us as we sat behind the bowlers arm, so rehydration required a pint of water for every pint of San Miguel or Pimms... Lunch was served quickly thanks to the resident caterers although I gather there was a shortage of apples which affected the presentation of the desert... never mind... the cheese board was spectacular!
When captain Michael Clarke was out shortly after tea, sparking a mini-collapse to leave the tourists 174 for six, another 137 runs to win on the fifth and final day at Trent Bridge seemed a tall order.
This game had already contained plenty of drama and controversy, and the wicket of Clarke for 23 provided yet another talking point. The Australian skipper edged Stuart Broad to Prior, and umpire Aleem Dar checked with his colleague at square-leg to confirm the ball had carried to the England wicketkeeper, before giving Clarke out. Clarke, who later said that he hadn't been aware of hitting the ball, decided to have the decision reviewed and was given out
by the third umpire after hot-spot showed he got a thin edge. Fair enough in our opinion.
Next ball Steve Smith, who scored a half-century in the first innings, fell lbw to Graeme Swann for 17.Just two overs later, England used the review system to overturn a rejected lbw appeal against Phil Hughes, who had yet to get off the mark. The ball from Swann had seemed close to pitching outside leg, but Hawk-Eye showed that a fraction over half of the ball had pitched in line, sparking celebrations by England players and fans alike.
Ashton Agar, promoted to No. 8, joined Brad Haddin and the pair steered Australia to the close without further damage. Earlier in the day, Ian Bell reached his 18th Test century, and probably his most important one, to ease England past the 350 mark before the visitors made light work of wrapping up the tail
with three quick wickets. Set a challenging 311 to win the first of the five match series, openers Shane Watson and Chris Rodgers made a confident
start and had reached 84 before Watson picked the wrong line against Broad.
The Trent Bridge crowd buzzed into life as the pressure turned on Ed Cowan, who was on a golden pair. He got off the mark, but his unhappy match continued as he edged Joe Root to Trott at first slip in the final over before tea. Not good.
Trent Bridge is already sold out for the final day, when England will search for the four wickets they need, while Haddin will try to keep the lower order together as Australia accumulate the runs required for victory.
Great day for English cricket.
Great day for cricket.
Menu
A glass or two of elegant English sparkling before lunch Three Graces 2008,
produced in Kent, a blend of Cuvée, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
A subtle array of flavours from lemon sherbet and strawberry
to brioche with fresh bread characters
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Parma Ham, strawberry and mozzarella salad with olive oil and cracked black pepper
Basil and apricot goats' cheese with water cress and almond salad for the vegetarians
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Poached chicken breast with pesto dressed potato,
mixed leaf with courgette & tomato compote
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Apple mousse with hazelnut praline
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Selection of British cheeses and biscuits
with homemade fruit chutney
Tea and Coffee
Afternoon tea
A selection of tea time treats...
mini jam and cream scone,
Battenberg, lemon drizzle cup cake,
jam tart and coffee & walnut Mazarin
Served with tea and coffee
