The 2015 Ashes are all square after Australia’s 405 run victory, completed on the 4th Day at Lords.
Going into what would be the final day leading by 364, the Aussies would add quick runs in the morning, thanks largely to Steve Smith (58), Michael Clarke (32) and Mitchell Marsh (27 off 18 balls), allowing Clarke to declare at 2/254 just before lunch, leaving England’s openers with a tricky three over period, which they survived.
After lunch it was all Australia. The “Mitches” (Starc, Johnson and Marsh) combined to destroy England’s top order. Ian Bell fell cheaply again before the bizarre run out of Ben Stokes (more on that later) had the English 5/64 at tea and out of the match.
Just nine overs were needed after tea to clean up the last five wickets and square the series at 1-1.
The total match scores of 10/820 to 20/415 tell the story.
Pivotal moment – the poor shot outside off-stump by England captain Alistair Cook. It was a shot that was not necessary in the situation and put the acid on the brittle top order of Garry Ballance and Bell to bat a long period of time. The bowling was unforgiving to out of form batsman.
Worrying moment – Early on Day 4, Australian opener Chris Rogers, having advanced to one short of his 10th score of 50 or better in his last 11 innings, appeared to be dizzy and disorientated, immediately calling for assistance before retiring hurt.
Health is more important than crickets, so we all wish Rogers well. From a cricket point of view he is a vital cog of the Aussie top order and will be missed if he cannot play going forward.
What the – the run out of Ben Stokes was schoolboy stuff. Was well on track to make his ground when for some reason inexplicably jumped to avoid the ball and watched in horror as the ball hit the stumps while he was in mid air. With just a few minutes remaining before the tea break this was an inexcusable lapse of concentration.
This gave me another reminder to make sure I drum this into my Under 12 side this summer.
What will Australia do now – Australia start a tour match against Derbyshire on Thursday prior to the 3rd test at Edgbaston which starts next Wednesday. All the squad players will get a run in this match, as should David Warner, Michael Clarke and Adam Voges.
The selectors have a couple of issues to consider heading into the next test. One is the health of Chris Rogers. If he doesn’t play then Shaun March is the logical replacement given he performed that role in the West Indies. Shane Watson is the other option, especially if the selectors consider playing two spinners.
The other issue is the availablity of Brad Haddin. Peter Nevill had a great game at Lords and deserves to keep his place. The time is right for the passing of the baton, meaning Haddin may be on the outer.
What England do now – debate the make up of their line-up, just as Australia did after Cardiff. Changes need to be made, particularly at the top of the order. It’s hard to see Adam Lyth and Ballance holding their places. An option for them is move Joe Root up to No.3 and bring in Johnny Bairstow to the middle order. Who replaces Lyth is anyone’s guess.
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