On this day in 2013: Australia slam England to regain the Ashes in 4 months
In less than four months since England won the corresponding Ashes series at home by a 3-0 margin, the Australians managed to regain the Ashes at home. Aussie skipper Michael Clarke would have breathed a lot easier as he had come under severe criticism after the whitewash earlier in the year. Australia were dominant in the series as it would be evident from their margins of victory – 381 runs in Brisbane, followed by 218 runs in Adelaide.
The decisive Test
Coming into the third Test, Australia once again won the toss and elected to bat. Despite Warner’s 60-run knock, the hosts soon skittled to 143 for 5 courtesy of some searing bowling by the opponents. However, Smith and Haddin would end up in a 124-run partnership to steady the ship for the team. Smith remained unbeaten as Australia finished at 326 for 6 on Day 1.
The next morning, some early breakthroughs wrapped up the Australian innings for 385. In response, the England openers – Cook (72) and Carberry (43) – added 85. Root (4) was dismissed, caught behind failing to add much, while Pietersen fell to a marvellous catch by Johnson at mid-on. At the close of the day’s play, England were 180 for 4. Next day, Australia stopped them for 251 and took a 134-run lead.
Batting again, Warner and Rogers added 157 for the opening stand before the latter was dismissed for a well-made 54. Continuing from the other end, Warner (112) notched up a century before holing out at long-on. However, placed 235 for 3 at the end of days’ play, the Aussies had managed a massive lead of 369. Watson whacked 74 runs from just 42 on the next day before being run out for 103. After a raging counterattack from George Bailey, who slammed 28 off one over from Anderson, skipper Clarke declared with the total on 369 for 6, setting England an unlikely target of 504 to win.
Australia regain the Ashes.#OnThisDay in 2013 ?
What do you remember most from that series? pic.twitter.com/7wL8T2goTO
— ICC (@ICC) December 17, 2019
The final push
Succumbing right at the start, Cook was undone by Harris on the very first ball of the innings. Though Carberry and Root were able to rebuild the innings with a 62-run partnership, they both fell in quick succession. England were thrown in disarray once Pietersen fell for 45. They reached 251 for 5 by the close of day’s play, needing 252 runs to keep the series alive.
Ben Stokes and Matt Prior frustrated Australia early on the fifth day, although Prior did not last too long and was dismissed for 26. Shortly afterwards, Stokes (120) reached his maiden Test century, and the tourists went into lunch at 332 for 6. However, he was caught by Haddin off Lyon straight after the resumption, and Australia were able to wrap up the innings on 353. It was a magnificent victory for hosts Australia in the third Test as they gained an unassailable 3-0 lead and regained the Ashes urn after four years.
