On this day in 2009: England regain the Ashes with a 197-run win in final Test

It is absolutely a no-brainer that Test cricket takes you through every spectrum of emotions. Add to it the high-octane series like the Ashes, and it further garners the audacity of the entire scene. Andrew Flintoff standing with his arms wide open and a feeling of victory is the picture one might draw whilst recounting the 2009 Ashes series. It was his last Test and England made sure he leaves the red-ball cricket in style as they regained the Ashes.

England had lost the previous Test at Headingley, and Australia had the better of the hosts for the major part of the series. Having won the test, England opted to bat first as Ian Bell (72), Andrew Strauss (55), and the debutant Trott (41) made crucial contributions to take England to the total of 307 for eight. The team was eventually wrapped up for 332. When Australia came in to bat, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann made sure the batting line-up of the visitors’ struggle. The former starred with a five-wicket haul whereas the latter picked up four wickets as Australia was bundled out for 160. England took the driving seat with a mammoth lead.

England regain Ashes in Andrew Flintoff’s last Test match

In their second innings, England lost wickets in quick succession. However, Andrew Strauss (75) and Jonathan Trott (119) took the side to 373. This meant that Australia had to bat over two days to chase down the massive target of 546. Openers Shane Watson and Simon Katich sailed the ship of the side to 80 at the end of Day three. Broad and Swann removed the opening pair as Australia was reduced at 90-2.

It was captain Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey who held the fort for the side. Both of them tried to build on Australia’s innings as they stitched fifty runs partnerships from 94 balls and went into Lunch at 171 for two. Ponting and Hussey took the team past the total of 200 before an intriguing drama unfolded on the 22 yards.

Hussey slightly pushed Steve Harmison to mid-on to take a quick single. Little did he know that it would cost the team a big wicket. Ponting stretched to reach the crease, but Flintoff’s precise throw shattered the stumps. England came in firm control of the game and Australia couldn’t shift the fortunes of the game thereafter, as the hosts registered victory by 197 runs.