Ashes: Australia playing to win against England

Coach Nielsen insists Australia is thinking of winning, and not saving the game

Coach Nielsen insistsu00a0Australia isu00a0thinking of winning, and not saving the game

Australia coach Tim Nielsen insisted his side were not thinking about "saving the game" after Michael Clarke's unbeaten century had given them hope of achieving a record run chase here at Lord's. Australia head into today's final day of the second Ashes Test on 313 for five, needing a further 209 runs to reach their victory target of 522.

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If they achieve it, they will have set a new world record for the most runs scored in the fourth innings to win a Test, surpassing the 418 for seven made by the West Indies against Australia in Antigua in 2002-03.

Australia had slumped to 128 for five yesterday when Clarke was joined at the crease by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Clarke, who made 125 not out, and Haddin, 80 not out, kept England at bay with an unbroken stand so far worth 185. "Those two played out of their skins. We are very pleased as a team to keep fighting in adversity," Nielsen told reporters after stumps.

"We know if we play as well again we have a chance of winning this Test. Michael and Brad both withstood everything England threw at them."

"We never talk about saving a Test match, it's not the way we play. We like to back ourselves, we are at our best when we are positive. We walk in tomorrow with a real chance. We never lost hope."