Australia v England 1903-04

The fourth Test match of the series decided the rubber, the Englishmen winning by 157 runs, and so gaining their third victory. The curious variations in the condition of the wicket during this match have been fully explained by Mr Bosanquet in his article in another part of the Almanack. It was thought in this country that the Australians had to play the last innings on a sticky wicket, but this was so far from being the case that they felt confident of getting the 329 runs required. Three men were out for 59, and then Bosanquet settled the matter in wonderful style. Going on with the score at 74 he took five wickets for twelve runs, Lilley helping him splendidly. The Australians died very hard, Noble finding such a useful partner in Cotter that the last wicket added 57 runs. This was one of the few matches in which Trumper failed in both innings. Perhaps the best batting in the game was shown by Hayward, who played his second innings when the wicket was very difficult. He withstood the bowling for two hours and forty minutes. Another admirable innings was Knight's 70 not out, the result of nearly four and a half hours' cricket. The game lasted into the sixth day, rain causing a lot of delay. In Australia's first innings the last five wickets fell for 17 runs, Rhodes and Arnold bowling with startling effect. In England's second innings Warner and Rhodes on the final day put on 55 runs for the last wicket.