Graeme Swann

‘The Ashes’ represents the humiliation England suffered from its colony Australia in one of the most significant matches ever played in cricket history. The century year old humiliation is most probably the only humiliation that can be won back. England tries to win the symbol of its lost pride and Australia try to regain their biggest reward ever- ‘The Urn’. Since the very beginning of this competition to this very day the world has witnessed the best cricket ever played….not for money, trophies or rankings and on Tuesday we witnessed another gem of a game.

This one was a Kevin Pieterson special who scored a double breaking Australian pace attack into half before declaring at a mammoth first innings total of 620. Alistair Cook slammed a flawless ton that laid the foundation for Pieterson to go for the special one. Although Cook and Pieterson were the main run getters, the contributions by Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott were very essential.

Australia were shaken by the performance England had put up and only a miracle would help them gain the upper hand on the 4th day. Simon Katich and Shane Watson tried to be those miracles but failed after giving the Aussies a decent start. Ricky Ponting was looked like a man on a mission but his operation failed in 9 runs and was sent back to the pavilion. Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke tried to stable the ship and succeeded throughout the day. But, aggressive Clarke got out on the last ball of the day and fell to Kevin Pieterson.

Marcus North along with other remaining batsmen were expected to support Hussey but the Aussie line-up collapsed like a castle of cards. The last six wickets fell in only 87 minutes. Jimmy Anderson and Graeme Swann toyed with the Aussie batsmen as they had a big score watching their backs.

The match ended on a high note for England as they became the first team in 27 years to beat Australia by an innings. The Aussies fell 71 runs short of forcing England a chance to bat in the second innings. Pieterson must have decided to play two times in one innings. Graeme Swann was the pick of the bowlers taking five wickets again. The Aussies must find an answer or there would be questions raised on their potential to win the world cup.

Tags: Ashes Series, Australia, Cricket, England, Graeme Swann, Kevin Pietersen, Michael Hussey, Sports, Test Cricket, The Ashes