Flashback: The last drawn Ashes series
The Ashes is a prestigious Test cricket series between England and Australia, known for captivating fans with its historic action. However, from 2010 to 2017, the series lacked excitement due to one-sided competition. This changed in 2019 when both teams played an unforgettable series that left its mark in cricket history.
Smith powers Australia to 1-0 lead
It all began at Edgbaston, where David Warner and Steven Smith returned to Test cricket after a one-year ban for ball-tampering in 2018. Despite facing boos from the crowd, Smith’s brilliant performance with twin hundreds helped Australia take a 1-0 lead.
The second Test at Lord’s was affected by rain, but it showcased an epic battle between Smith and Jofra Archer. Smith suffered a head injury, leading to the first-ever concussion replacement in Test cricket, with Marnus Labuschagne stepping in. The match ended in an exciting draw, thanks to Labuschagne and Travis Head’s strong performance for Australia.
Stokes turns it around
The third Test at Headingley became an iconic moment. England were seemingly out of the game after being bowled out for 67 in their first innings. However, Ben Stokes played an extraordinary innings, one of the greatest in Test cricket history. He lead England to an improbable victory by chasing down 359 with just one wicket remaining.
The fourth chapter took place at Old Trafford, where Steven Smith scored a magnificent 211 and 82 runs in both innings. England couldn’t match Australia’s performance, losing by 185 runs, and Australia retained the Ashes in England for the first time since 2001.
The final Test at Kennington Oval saw Mitchell Marsh shining with a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Despite another impressive innings by Steven Smith, Australia fell 135 runs short of the 399-run target set by England, resulting in a series tie of 2-2.
The five-match affair was a perfect start to the first-ever cycle of the World Test Championship and brought back the Ashes’ reputation. It was the first time since 2005 that the cricketing fraternity was consumed by Ashes fever.
The 2019 Ashes series was unforgettable, with notable performances from Smith, Archer, Stokes, Wade, Warner, Labuschagne, and Cummins.
