Adelaide: British hope to save the second ash test against Australia was in ragged after the dismissal of the deceased Joe Root on Sunday but the tour team still hoped Ben Stokes might be a savior.
Set a victory target that was not possible from 468, England completed the fourth day at 82-4 which was precarious.
The toughest blow was the root stop for the final delivery of the day when Mitchell Starc had a British captain who was caught for 24 years.
Stokes were unbeaten in three and the tour team needed repetition of heroic batting which secured the highest ash Britain which pursued Leeds two years ago.
“Anytime one if your best player (root) comes out, it’s a knock,” said Fast Bowling coach Jon Lewis told reporters.
“Ben (Stokes) has done it before, he has done special things on English clothes.” As for inspiration, Stokes did not need to look beyond the captain, who struggled through the pain to help his team.
After having a hospital scan in the morning for a stomach injury suffered in the net, the root is protected by express delivery from Starc shortly before closing.
British skipper grimaced and rolled in pain before receiving medical attention.
Even though he brave the army, the root ran carefully among the goal in clear discomfort.
“Joe shows many characters to come out,” Lewis said.
“There is no doubt in Joe’s mind he will come out for bats and it shows what great players and brilliant leaders he.” He wanted to show his team how difficult he was trying for the team.
“England will expect them to be lower ordering batter shows similar courage when they start a big task to survive from three sessions with six Wickets at hand to save the match.