The stunning dismissal of Cameron Green for 28 on this penultimate day by Robinson, the tension that grew as Australia refused to take on Root’s bowling, or Stokes’ brilliant one-handed effort in the deep off Lyon that bounced out of his grip were just a few examples.
The reality is that England was in the lead for the majority of the day before Cummins and Lyon dealt them a serious blow. You can have theories on where England went wrong, and there may be quite a few who will start with that declaration on the first day of course. There is no disputing the fact that this game will undoubtedly rank alongside other classic matches like Edgbaston 2005, Headingley 2019, Cardiff 2009, Headingley 1981, and many others.
Pat Cummins celebrates with Nathan Lyon after their match-winning 55-run partnership in Ashes first test match. (Credits: Getty Images)
Aussie’s road to victory in the Ashes
Before being taken out by Stokes, Khawaja faced 197 deliveries and anchored the most of Australia’s victorious run chase in England, scoring his first test century. Australia was 209-6 when Khawaja took the game away from England, but the batter slammed Stokes’ ferocious delivery onto his stumps.
Australia was still chasing the victory after losing eight wickets, and it turned out that they had good reason to do so when Pat Cummins hit Joe Root for two sixes in the 83rd over when Root was bowling spin because Moeen Ali was tending to an injured spinning finger. Then Lyon and Cummins arrived at the crease and went on all game.
As it unfolded, England faced an Australian team that was ready to put out fire with ice and a captain in Cummins who personified this strategy. This Ashes series between the two cultures gets off to an amazing start as Australia leads 1-0.
And the “most anticipated Ashes in a generation” tagline only applies to the first Test of the series. That standard was most definitely met by the opening test. In order to reclaim the Ashes from Australia, England must win the five-game series.
