Twitter Reactions: Australia marching towards a victory at the Gabba

Though England lost a couple of early wickets yesterday, they began well on Day 4. While Mark Stoneman and Dawid Malan were dismissed in quick succession, skipper Joe Root continued to toil hard as the visitors tried to increase the target for the Aussies.

Root went on to register his 33rd half century. Soon after, Josh Hazlewood got his all-important wicket. Moeen Ali also scored a crucial 40 runs while Jonny Bairstow added 42 runs as England tried to extend the lead close to 200. However, who knew a lower order collapse awaited.

At 185/6 with Chris Woakes and a set Bairstow at the crease alongside and a lead of 159 runs, England were looking in comfort. However, Mitchell Starc created havoc as he got the wickets of both the batsmen. He got Stuart Broad early too. Pat Cummins pinned the last nail in the coffin with the dismissal of Jake Ball.

England were all out for 195 as Australia were set a target of 170 which seemed quite gettable. The trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon got three wickets each. A target of 170 wasn’t going to much of a hindrance to Australia unless England created pressure from both ends.

Australia were off to a splendid start. Openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft both combined for a stupendous hundred run partnership for the first wicket. Warner scored his 25th half century in Test cricket while Bancroft raced his way to a maiden half century.

Australia were comfortably placed at 114/0 at stumps on Day 4. They need another 56 runs to win the first Test at the Gabba and lead the Ashes series 1-0. As for England, they will vow to come back stronger at the day-night Adelaide Oval test match.

Here are some of the best Twitter reactions from Day 4 of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England: