Ashes 2009
Well what a finish to the Second Test of the Ashes 2009 series between the Australian and English Cricket teams at Lords. The most famous venue in the cricketing world, the ‘home of cricket’ is Lords and the Australians fell to the hands of the English and their spearhead Freddy Flintoff.
As play was set to get underway in the final day of the Cricket Test Match, the Australian Cricket side needed a tick over 200 runs to secure victory with only 5 wickets in hand. The in-form Michael Clarke was well set, chasing down his 150 and his able partner Brad Haddin there approaching his 100.
With the weather for the Ashes 2009 test remaining clear, the bowling attack led by Andrew Flintoff was well supported by spinner Graeme Swann who pitched in with some great offspin bowling at crucial times.
It was the first victory for England over the Australians since 1934 at the Lords Cricket Ground venue. The match looks to be a highlight of the Ashes 2009 series and the result could build confidence for England with only 3 tests remaining in the hotly contested cricket series.
Umpiring decisions added to the aura around the game, with 3 Australian wickets proven to be incorrectly given. One off a Flintoff no-ball, the other off a half volley slips catch to Andrew Strauss and the final howler saw Mike Hussey given out when he in fact didn’t hit the cricket ball.
Regardless, England were the better side and their Ashes 2009 support crew of the Barmy Army pitched in the ensure the match had plenty of atmosphere. Also in the crowd were the likes of Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and the able commentary from Sky Sports of Ian Botham, Geoff Boycott, Michael Atherton and Michael Holding.
The final concern for the Australian team leading into the final three Ashes 2009 games will be the wayward bowling of Mitchell Johnson who has struggled for line, length and any consistency.
Brett Lee will be keen to get back into the side after injuring himself prior to the first test of the Ashes 2009 series.
Australian 2nd Innings Score Card and Results:
| P Hughes | 17 | 34 | 2 | 0 | 50.00 | |||
| SM Katich | c Pietersen b Flintoff | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 120.00 | ||
| RT Ponting* | b Broad | 38 | 69 | 6 | 0 | 55.07 | ||
| MEK Hussey | c Collingwood b Swann | 27 | 63 | 3 | 0 | 42.85 | ||
| MJ Clarke | b Swann | 136 | 227 | 14 | 0 | 59.91 | ||
| MJ North | b Swann | 6 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 24.00 | ||
| BJ Haddin† | c Collingwood b Flintoff | 80 | 130 | 10 | 0 | 61.53 | ||
| MG Johnson | b Swann | 63 | 75 | 9 | 0 | 84.00 | ||
| NM Hauritz | b Flintoff | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20.00 | ||
| PM Siddle | b Flintoff | 7 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 53.84 | ||
| BW Hilfenhaus | not out | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
