Watson runs out Hughes in disastrous start for Australia

MELBOURNE - Australia’s bid to haul in a 415-run deficit to salvage the fourth Ashes test began disastrously on Tuesday when Shane Watson ran out his opening partner Phillip Hughes for 23 after lunch.

By (Reuters)

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Published: Tue 28 Dec 2010, 10:02 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:25 AM

The openers had surpassed 50 runs at a nippy run rate of more than five an over, but Watson had a brain fade in the 12th over, pushing to cover and calling Hughes through for a single that was never there.

Jonathan Trott swooped on the ball and flung it low and straight to wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who whipped off the bails as Hughes scampered to the crease.

The umpire called for a television replay, which showed Hughes just short of his ground.

The 22-year-old, battling to keep his place in the side after scores of 2,12 and 16 in his previous three innings, appeared bereft as he trudged off the ground with the score at 53 for one.

The dismissal was a repeat of the run out in the second test in Adelaide when Watson ran Simon Katich out on the fourth ball of the first innings, though there Trott made a direct hit.

Australia still needed 363 runs to make England bat again when Hughes was dismissed, with more than two days’ play remaining.

The five-test series is level at 1-1, but victory in Melbourne will see England take the Ashes home for the first time in 24 years.


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