On this day in 2005: Lord’s classic in the greatest Ashes of all time begins
On this day in 2005, arguably one of the greatest Ashes series commenced with the first Test at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. Speaking about the first Test, Australia won the toss and decided to bat first.
The opening pair of Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden failed to put up a strong stand as the latter was dismissed for just 12 runs. Meanwhile, Langer looked in fine form and scored a breezy 44-ball 40 which featured five fours.
However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to contribute as the Aussies posted a first innings score of 190 runs. Steve Harmison returned with a magnificent five-wicket haul whereas Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones got two wickets apiece.
Similarly, the English side too failed to come up with a solid comeback as they could get a paltry 155 runs. Kevin Pietersen top-scored for the side with 57 runs off 89 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes. Glenn McGrath ripped through the batting line-up as he got a five-wicket haul whereas Brett Lee claimed a three-wicket haul.
The Aussies registered 384 runs after the middle order operated in tandem in the third innings. Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Damien Martyn, and skipper Ricky Ponting compiled scores of 91, 67, 65, and 42 runs, respectively.
With this, the Aussies set a humongous target of 420 runs. Harmison once again played an important innings with the ball as he returned a three-wicket haul, whereas Matthew Hoggard and Andrew Flintoff got two wickets in the innings.
During the chase, Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Strauss scored 44 and 37 runs, respectively, and raised an 80-run stand for the first wicket. Down the order, Pietersen yet again scored big as he got an unbeaten 64 runs which featured six fours and two sixes.
Spin great Shane Warne and pacer McGrath sliced through the English batting order like a hot knife through butter as both claimed four-wicket haul each. With this, England were restricted for 180 runs as Australia won by 239 runs. Though Australia won the first Test, the series quickly took a turn as England won the series 2-1.
