Three most memorable Ashes Tests at Lord’s
The Lord’s Cricket Ground in London is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places to play cricket in the world. Considered a staple, Lord’s has been around for many years now and over the years, there have been sensational matches that have been played here at the ‘mecca of cricket’. Continuing upon the same, let us have a look at the three best Ashes Tests at Lord’s.
2nd Ashes Test, 1985
One of the most iconic Test matches to be played at the Lord’s Cricket Ground was back in 1985. There were several reasons that turned the game into one that would be remembered for the ages. Coming into the game after a loss at Headingley in the first Test, Australia looked to bounce back at Lord’s and they did just that.
In the first innings, England notched up 290 runs on the board, and in response, Allan Border led from the front as he scored a whopping 196 runs as Australia scored 425 runs in the first innings. Coming in to bowl, Australia had the hosts in tatters as they were 98/6 but Ian Botham’s 85-run knock helped England to get to a score of 261 runs and gave Australia a target of 127 runs. It was once again Border who scored 41 runs to help the side chase the target down and win the game by four wickets.
2nd Ashes Test, 2019
Another one of the modern-day classics at Lord’s happened when England and Australia faced each other in the second Test of the 2019 Ashes. Scoring 258 in the first innings, England looked to be in control of the game. In Australia’s first innings, it was Steve Smith who led the charge despite getting hit on the elbow and on the helmet by Jofra Archer earlier.
On the final day, Marnus Labuschagne came in as the first-ever concussion substitute in Test cricket and scored a solid half-century. After rain played spoilsport, Australia were in dodgy waters on Day 5. However, Travis Head’s resilience helped them draw the game.
2nd Ashes Test (2009)
This surely is one of the greatest ever Ashes Test matches played at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. Batting first, England skipper Andrew Strauss led from the front, scoring 161 runs, with Alastair Cook scoring 95 runs. England amassed 425 runs on the board in the first innings.
As the battle between bat and ball raged on, star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was the ultimate star of the game. Chasing a world record target of 522 runs, the Aussies found themselves in deep trouble. Flintoff made sure that Australia do not win the game, as the all-rounder took a fifer, taking five wickets and conceding 92 runs. England won the game by 115 runs in what is regarded as one of the greatest Ashes performances.
