Image courtesy of Getty Images
Article on Metro website
England 215 and 375
Australia 280 and 296
England defeated Australia by 14 runs
What a stunning end to one of the best test matches in recent memory. The test has had many ebbs and flows and the final day was no exception. I think it was safe to say nearly everyone thought the match was over when Australia had slipped to 231/9 on the back of a unbelievable spell of bowling from James Anderson. What followed though was a display of tenacity and grit by Brad Haddin and the demoted no.11 James Pattinson. They slowly clawed their way closer with Pattinson playing some textbook shots not known for a no.11. Haddin started the day off very defensively and watchful however started to open his arms in the last wicket partnership. He smacked Steven Finn including three consecutive boundaries in one particular over. It wasn't a good day for Finn at all as he only bowled two overs and conceded 24 runs. He also was involved in a comical fielding effort where he didn't pick up the flight of the ball on the boundary and was stationery as the ball went straight past him for a four. Later on he dropped a tough chance off a Haddin sweep shot which could have ended the game earlier.
Lunch was delayed by half an hour because Australia were nine wickets down, but Haddin and Pattinson managed to stay until the break. Coming out after the lunch interval they needed 20 runs to win a historic win for Australia. After taking five off the first over, Anderson was brought on from the other end. On the fifth ball of the over Haddin swung at a ball just outside off stump and an appeal went up from behind the wicket. Aleem Dar wasn't convinced but with two reviews remaining Alistair Cook referred it to the third umpire.
Now there has been plenty of discussion especially in Australia about the third umpire decision however after much reflection I believe they did get it right. Hot Spot showed a faint edge on the bat which couldn't have come from anywhere else. On the audio used by Marais Erasmus there was a clear sound. The bat was no where near the ground or pad so I think it was conclusive enough to be given out. Snicko later proved this to be right as there was a definite sound.
Courtesy of Sky Sports
Article on DailyMail website
Aleem Dar overturned the original decision and the England team preceded to run around in delirious joy. Now I know it was a close test match, but I have to say their was a complete contrast to the reactions in this match compared to Edgbaston in 2005 where Andrew Flintoff famously went up and consoled Brett Lee after their 2 run victory. Perhaps I'm looking too much into it but I'm not sure England were too gracious in their victory.
Hero of the Day: James Anderson
No doubt with this decision as without James Anderson it is safe to say England would not have won the test match. His herculean effort in his first spell was incredible. 13 consecutive overs resulting in 3/29 along with 6 maidens. Cook brought him back after lunch and with his 11th ball in his second over he secured the wicket of Haddin which left him with figures of 5/73 off 31.5 overs. This left him with 10 wickets for the match and a well deserved Player of the Match Award.
Villain of the Day: Steven Finn
Finn was left in the outfield all morning watching Anderson, Swann and Broad trying to win England the match. He was left flat-footed when he couldn't pick up a sweep shot from Haddin which went for four. He was smacked when brought into the attack for 24 runs off two overs and then dropped Haddin in the deep (albeit a tough chance) which could have cost England the test. Fair to say it wasn't a good day for Finn.
Series: England lead 1-0
Many pundits reckon that Australia needed to take this first test to have a legitimate chance of securing the Ashes. It is certainly going to be tough to win it outright from here as they would probably have to ensure that England didn't win another match. Australia should still have some belief though as if they can get their batting sorted out, then they know they can beat England. The home side however will be relieved to get the win here. Their bowling though, apart from Anderson, didn't perform up to expectations at Trent Bridge, so there is plenty of room of improvement in that regard.
Ultimately it was an amazing test match and one of the best in recent times. If we can get more test matches like this then it is fair to say we have some ripping test cricket to watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment