Australia takes an invincible lead in the Ashes when they wrapped up the series 3-0 after winning the third test by a huge margin. This was a convincing performance by Aussies that come only after their previous Ashes defeat in England where they lost the series 2-1 for the first time since 1989. But this year Australia came back strongly and just took 15 months to seize the trophy back.
Australia set a mammoth target of 557 to win the match but England only managed to score 350 runs and fell 206 runs short of the target. It was impossible for England to chase the huge total but there was a mild chance to draw the match and keep the series alive.
Australia batsman Mike Hussey, for his consistent performance of 74 not out and 103 runs, was named man of the match. England showed some resilience with a stubborn 75-run partnership between Flintoff and Pietersen but their efforts went ashtray when they lost their last five wickets for just 14 runs.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting after the compressive win told reporters,
Losing the Ashes in 2005 was one of the lowlights of my career but right now is one of the more special times. We have been very good, there’s no doubt about it. I think all the hard work has come through in our play; we’ve turned it round and played some unbelievably good cricket. It’s a huge occasion for us and to win the Ashes the way we have has been unbelievable.
This match also was very special for Shane Warne who was approaching his 700 wickets in test cricket but fell just one wicket short from achieving the landmark, which he possibly may achieve in the fourth test in his home ground Melbourne. Warne said,
It’s bloody fantastic to be honest, this side deserved this. It hurt in 2005 and we knew we had to be ready. This side can do special things and we were ready right from day one. It’s a pretty good feeling.
Via: CNN
