A record breaking start to The Ashes series 2010-11
England’s cricket team is visiting Australia these days for The Ashes series and played really well to continue their good form but they did suffer in the first innings due to an inspirational performance by Peter Siddle.
Although the match ended in a draw, the English were able to prove that this year they mean business and want to break their dry run on Australian soil. It seems to have been an eternity since England defeated Australia in The Ashes series in Australia.
After removing the English side for a low score in the first innings, the home side fancied their chances to start the series on a winning note. Hussey and Haddin played well scoring centuries and gave Australia a very commanding lead.
They seemed to be in a strong position and many of my colleagues called it a lost cause for England.
The English batsmen on the other hand had something else on their minds. During their second innings they launched an onslaught on the Aussie bowlers and gave them a lesson in quality batting. All the top three batsmen scored marvelous centuries.
The English skipper, who was criticized for his nil score in the first innings showed why he is the skipper and a leading batsman. His stroke play was flawless and he scored 110 runs aided with 15 boundaries before he fell victim to North.
North remained the only successful bowler of the innings with stats of 1 for 47 in nineteen overs.
Jonathan Trott, who joined Cook at the crease, was also in no mood to return to the pavilion. Together the duo shared a record partnership of 329 runs. Cook, who scored a double century in 2005 against Australia in England wanted to score his first double
century in a Test match in Australia, finally got his wish fulfilled. On his way towards the double century he also broke some other records on the way. He broke Sir Donald Bradman’s record of the highest individual score at the historic Gabba stadium. Cook
also shattered the record of another Australian legend, Mathew Hayden, by scoring the highest aggregate runs by a player at the Gabba.
Trott, who is enjoying his fame and success, scored a back-to-back second innings century against Australia. The stand between the two batsmen is also the highest in the Gabba and the highest for the second wicket stand in the second innings.
Cook and Trott remained unbeaten scoring 235 and 135 runs respectively. The Australian spinner Xavier Daherty, who made his debut in this Test match, also looked helpless in front of the Englishmen. Xavier, who was dubbed as the wild card failed to impress
in the second innings. He has a lot to learn said a cricket analyst after the match.
When the Australians came to the crease for their second innings a draw was on the cards. The Australian side scored 107 runs for one wicket at the end of the days play. The crowd showed up in really good numbers on the final day.
The English supporters were jubilant after their side’s performance and the Barmy army must have thrown a big party following their team’s performance.
The match also showed some extremely good umpiring. Aleem Dar proved why he won the best umpire award for the second time in a row. Billy Doctrove was also at his very best.
Here is a look at the match summary: England 260 (Bell 76, Siddle 6-54) and 1 for 517 dec (Cook 235*, Trott 135*) drew with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 481 (Hussey 195, Haddin 136, Finn 6-125) and 1 for 107 (Ponting 51*)
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