The Fourth Test of the 1948 Ashes series was one of five Tests in a cricket series between Australia and England. The match was played at Headingley Stadium at Leeds from July 22 to 27, with a rest day on July 25. Australia won the match by seven wickets to take an unassailable 3 0 series lead. In successfully chasing a target of 404, they set a new world record for the highest victorious runchase in Test history. Needing to win the match to prevent an Australian series victory, England captain Norman Yardley won the toss and elected to bat. Unlike the preceding Tests, England's openers were able to withstand the Australian new ball attack, and the partnership of Len Hutton and Cyril Washbrook put on 168 for the opening stand. Washbrook fell for 143 in the last over of the day, but England clearly had the better of the play, ending at 268/2 by stumps. The next day, England continued to amass runs, with Australia unable to dislodge Bill Edrich and nightwatchman Alec Bedser, who batted until mid-afternoon.