England clings on for a draw in dramatic 4th Ashes Test
Sydney, Jan 9: England's tailenders resisted Australia's bowlers in fading light Sunday to clinch a draw on a dramatic final day of the fourth Test in fading light at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Jack Leach, Stuart Broad and then Jimmy Anderson batted out the final 10 overs under immense pressure, after Pat Cummins and Scott Boland took three quick wickets in the final session before Steve Smith removed Leach with two overs remaining to set up a nervous finale to a gripping test match.
At stumps, England finished 270-9 with Broad unbeaten on eight and Anderson not out on zero to give England its best result of the five-match series which Australia leads 3-0.
With the final hour approaching, Cummins removed Jos Buttler and Mark Wood in the space of three balls to turn the test on its head after it was looking increasingly likely that England would earn a draw after its most determined batting effort of the series.
Scott Boland then continued his incredible start to test cricket by having first-innings centurion Jonny Bairstow caught at bat pad by Marnus Labuschagne for 41. It was Boland's 14th wicket in just his second test after making his test debut at Melbourne's 3rd test where he was named man of the match.
But Broad and Leach saw out the remaining 10 overs despite Australia have all its fielders around the bat in catching positions as the fading light meant Australia had to bowl spinners Nathan Lyon and Steve Smith in the final three overs.
Earlier in the session, Stokes, no stranger in proving to be an immovable object for Australia after his heroics in the 2019 Ashes series in England, did not appear to let the pain of his left side injury curtail his attacking shots as he crushed ten boundaries and a six as part of his 60 runs, to go with his 66 in the first innings.
But Lyon eventually made the vital breakthrough as he caught Stokes in two minds as to whether play at the ball or leave it. In the end he did neither and guided a simple chance to Steve Smith at slip. It was the ninth time that Lyon has taken Stokes' wicket, including twice in this match.
As the final hour loomed, Cummins (2-80) made a big breakthrough trapping Jos Buttler lbw for 11. On-field umpire Paul Reiffel initially rejected the appeal before Cummins referred to the TV umpire, who reversed the decision.
Two balls later Cummins dismissed Wood with a vicious in-swinging delivery that hit the tail-ender on the foot for a much easier lbw decision for Reiffel to confirm.
Boland then had Bairstow caught at bat pad to expose England's tail, but Leach and Broad and then Anderson found a way to survive despite up to nine fielders in close catching positions.
Before tea, Joe Root and Stokes combined for a 60-run partnership from 26 overs before Scott Boland had the English skipper edging through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey for 24 to give Australia renewed optimism it may be able to bowl England out.
Needing to bat out the day to draw the Test after being set an improbable 388 to win, the tourists lost a very defensive-minded Hameed (9) and Malan (4) in the morning session, but Zak Crawley decided that attack was the best form of defense as he unleashed eight boundaries on his way to a 69-ball half-century.
Hameed was dropped by Carey off Pat Cummins, but only survived a few overs more as he again edged through to Carey, who made the catch, to give Scott Boland yet another wicket in his bright start in test cricket.
Lyon (2-28) was introduced into the attack and in his third over found a way through Malan's defenses to have England at 74-2 after the first hour of play.
Crawley's enterprising innings was halted at 77 after 13 boundaries when Cameron Green (1-38) captured the 23-year-old opener leg before wicket.
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How Article 111 of Iran’s Constitution governs succession of Supreme Leader
Tehran: Iran’s Constitution clearly outlines the procedure to be followed in the event of the death, resignation, or incapacity of the Supreme Leader. The framework is set out in Article 111, which governs the transfer of authority and the selection of a successor.
Since 1989, the position of Supreme Leader has been held by Ali Khamenei. Under Iran’s political system established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Supreme Leader is the highest authority in the country, overseeing key state institutions including the armed forces and the judiciary.
According to Article 111, if the office of the Supreme Leader becomes vacant, a temporary leadership body assumes responsibilities until a new leader is appointed.
This interim body consists of three members:
The President of Iran
The Head of the Judiciary
A senior cleric from the Guardian Council
This council is responsible for carrying out the duties of the Supreme Leader on a provisional basis.
The authority to appoint a new Supreme Leader rests with the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of Islamic jurists elected to oversee and, if necessary, select or dismiss the Supreme Leader.
Upon a vacancy, the Assembly of Experts convenes to review eligible candidates. The selection is made through internal deliberations and a majority decision in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Article 111 also provides that if the Supreme Leader is found unable to perform constitutional duties, the Assembly of Experts has the authority to remove him from office.
The constitutional mechanism is designed to ensure continuity of leadership through a defined institutional process, with temporary authority vested in the interim council until a permanent successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts.
