England’s dynamic duo of Ben Stokes and Jack Leach might have already thought they had done the impossible once already in this Ashes series, winning an unwinnable Test at Headingley last time out to square the ledger.
On another engrossing day of Test cricket, they combined again to achieve something almost as far-fetched. Namely, to dismiss Steve Smith for less than 100.
In the elongated evening session, Australia’s master batsman aim a lofted drive at Leach. For once, he did not find the boundary rope, chipping up a catch to Stokes, and fell for 82. A perfectly serviceable score on a wearing track against a highly-skilled bowling attack. Piddling by his standards, though.
It was only the second time in five innings in this series that Smith has fallen for a score of fewer than 142. The other time he fell for less than three figures, in the second match at Lord’s, he was still feeling the effects of a sickening blow to the head.
Smith’s feats of batting excellent are getting beyond a joke. It reached the point that Sky’s broadcast team of cricketing super brains were asking for answers on a postcard as to how to dismiss him.
David Lloyd was sent out to ask the crowd for theories. Mike Atherton reported that Ted Dexter, the former England captain and later chairman of selectors, had telephoned him to venture an idea. His brainwave was quickly scotched, Michael Holding using graphics to point out its flaws, and everyone was back to square one.
While England remain no closer to working out how to remove Smith, they are a day closer to surrendering the Ashes.
Smith’s innings might not have been quite as substantial as previous efforts in this series, but it did serve the critical purpose of guiding Australia to an impregnable position in the fourth Test.
They were able to declare their second innings on 160 for six, meaning England need 383 to win the game, or bat for just over a day to save it.
Neither of those appear likely, after Pat Cummins sent back both Rory Burns and Joe Root without scoring in the space of two balls in the first over of England’s second innings. By stumps, they were 18 for two.
Cummins said: They're coming out alright at the moment. The batting didn't go to plan. None of us expected the innings Smithy went out with, he was incredible.
We'd have been happy to get though the night but Smithy was unbelievable. I'm feeling okay. One big final push tomorrow then a few days rest before The Oval."
England’s condition is so parlous that even Stokes might not be able to save them now.
He had been at the wicket when the day started, with England on 200 for five, and still 297 runs behind the tourists on first innings.
Stokes himself has made centuries in the two previous matches, but Mitchell Starc was able to prize him out for just 26 this time around, caught at slip by Smith.
Jos Buttler provided some belated resistance, making 41, as the home side at least avoided the prospect of having to follow on. But Starc, who ended with three wickets in the innings, and Cummins, who took three for 60, ended England’s first innings effort, as they were all out for 301.
It was Stokes who gave England a rousing pep talk in the onfield huddle, as Australia started their second innings with a lead of 197, and the opening bowlers responded.
Stuart Broad sent David Warner off with the first pair of his Test career, as he trapped him lbw sixth ball, then added his opening partner Marcus Harris soon after.
Jofra Archer, bowling with the sort of venom that so captivated the audience on his debut at Lord’s, first our Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.
It felt as though England were on the charge, as Australia crumbled to 44 for four, but then Smith, in concert with Matthew Wade, righted the course with a 105-run stand for the fifth wicket.
England coach Trevor Bayliss insisted his team will not be giving up the fight.
"Anything is possible," he said. "We saw that in the last Test match. We have got a couple guys out there and guys in the shed who are more than capable of scoring a hundred.
"We know it will be difficult but, as Ben Stokes showed last week, anything is possible."
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Virtuzone GCC Sixes
Date and venue Friday and Saturday, ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City
Time Matches start at 9am
Groups
A Blighty Ducks, Darjeeling Colts, Darjeeling Social, Dubai Wombats; B Darjeeling Veterans, Kuwait Casuals, Loose Cannons, Savannah Lions; C Awali Taverners, Darjeeling, Dromedary, Darjeeling Good Eggs
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
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Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
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Temple numbers
Expected completion: 2022
Height: 24 meters
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
World ranking (at month’s end)
Jan - 257
Feb - 198
Mar - 159
Apr - 161
May - 159
Jun – 162
Currently: 88
Year-end rank since turning pro
2016 - 279
2015 - 185
2014 - 143
2013 - 63
2012 - 384
2011 - 883