ENGLAND is adamant that it can still salvage a win in the fourth Ashes Test, coach Trevor Bayliss has declared.
Australia’s second innings began after England’s lasted just one ball, with the host side 2-103 and trailing by 61 runs when play was abandoned due to rain.
But Bayliss has rejected the suggestion that a draw is a fait accompli at the MCG.
“Any time there’s a bit of rain and you’re on top in the game, it’s a bit frustrating,” he said.
“We’ve got an opportunity to win, so that’s the attitude we’ve got to take in to Saturday.
“We showed in the first innings that we can take a number of wickets really quickly. With 98 overs on day five, it’s more than enough time – if we play well – to force a result.”
A draw is currently the favoured result with bookmakers, with TAB currently rating it a $ 1.20 chance with an England win – which would be its first of the series – $ 4.50 and Australia sitting at $ 41.
England managed to force some reverse swing in the ball morning on the MCG pitch that has thus far provided little movement for bowlers.
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Bayliss said his attack – led by Stuart Broad and James Anderson – will need to be “very disciplined” if it is to take care of Australian captain Steve Smith (25) and his deputy David Warner (40).
And he believes that by exploiting the wicket’s few “tricks” and applying the right amount of pressure, a result can well be forced.
“Those times that we were able to move the ball (on Friday) … we had them in a bit of trouble,” Bayliss said.
“A fifth day wicket – even though it’s still a very good wicket – still gives us an opportunity (on day five) to force a result.
“If we can put the ball in the right areas and put pressure on, there’s enough tricks in the wicket and the odd ball stays a little bit low or holds up a little bit … we’ve got to have the field in the right spot to take that chance.
“If we can get rid of those two guys early on … and put some pressure on the opposition, and late-order batters, anything is possible.”
Australian coach Darren Lehmann admitted that it was a positive to see his team tested after its clean sweep to win the Ashes.
“You obviously like it the other way, but for us this game is a different challenge,” he said.
“We are on the back foot and we have to find our way out of it.”
And “keep scoring runs” is the mantra for those at the crease today.
“The best form of defence is sometimes scoring runs,” he said on Channel 9.
“Having said that, they have set one side of the field. It is hard to pierce the gap.
“You have to play what is in front of you and see how they go.”
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