Ashes: Five most memorable Test matches played in this century
The upcoming edition of the Ashes is all set to get underway on Wednesday, December 8 with the opening match at the Gabba in Brisbane. Clouds of uncertainty were there due to the hard quarantines, but ECB and CA found a way to make the five-match Test series happen.
The series is a challenge for the Three Lions, who are yet to win a Test on Australian soil since 2011. Over the years, the iconic Test series has witnessed plenty of jaw-dropping encounters. In the 21st century, the two teams have been involved in 55 Tests thus far with Australia winning 29 of them.
Here are the five most memorable Ashes Tests played in the 21st century
Nottingham Test, Ashes 2013
The 2013 Ashes started on an exciting note. Although England were mostly dominant and won by 14 runs, Australia didn’t throw in the towel easily. James Anderson’s five-wicket haul and Ian Bell’s century put the Brits on the driver’s seat. Thereafter, chasing 311, the Aussies were reduced to 231 for nine. However, Brad Haddin and James Pattinson showed nerves of steel and put on 65 runs for the 10th wicket. However, their efforts went in vain after Anderson found Haddin’s outside edge.
Headingley Test, Ashes 2019
When England lost their ninth wicket while chasing 359, they needed 73 runs to win. It felt as if Ben Stokes would be left stranded at the non-striker’s end. However, the left-handed batter played probably one of the most important knocks of his life. His unbeaten 135-run knock made sure that the Brits snatched a one-wicket win from the jaws of defeat. Jack Leach lent him support in the crunch moments. Marnus Labuschagne scored fifties in both innings for the Aussies, but his efforts went in vain.
Chester-Le-Street Test, Ashes 2013
The fourth Test of the 2013 Ashes had all the ingredients to be an absolute humdinger. But Stuart Broad spoiled Australia’s party by picking up 11 wickets and subsequently getting the Player of the Match award. Chasing 299, Chris Rogers and David Warner’s 109-run put the Aussies in a position of command. But once the openers perished, the rest of the Australian batting crumbled like a house of cards. Fast bowler Ryan Harris picked up a seven-fer in the second innings, but his efforts went in vain.
Birmingham Test, Ashes 2005
The second Test of the series turned out to be a humdinger. Chasing 282 for victory in the fourth innings, Australia found themselves in all sorts of strife. Being reduced to 137 for seven, the visitors needed a miracle to win the game at Edgbaston. Thereafter, Shane Warne and Brett Lee scored in their 40s to take their team to safer shores. Warne also stitched together a 59-run stand with Michael Kasprowicz, but Steve Harmison removed the latter to guide the Three Lions to a two-run win.
Nottingham Test, Ashes 2005
The fourth Test of the 2005 Ashes was a witness to plenty of twists and turns. But it was Andrew Flintoff’s all-round show that helped the home team win by three wickets. But the Three Lions had to fight hard as they lost seven wickets on their way to chasing down 129. At one point in time, England were tottering at 116 for seven with 13 runs needed. But Ashely Giles and Matthew Hoggard scored 15 crucial runs and ensured that Australia weren’t allowed to go over the line.
