Australia won an epic first Test by two wickets, to take a 1-0 lead over England at Edgbaston, an hour and six minutes after they seemed to have lost it.
21,June,2023
In a nail-biting encounter at Edgbaston, Australia pulled off a stunning two-wicket victory against England on the final day of the Test match. The thrilling contest kept fans glued to their screens, culminating in an enthralling run chase that showcased the resilience and skill of both teams.
Chasing a target of 284 runs for victory, Australia faced an uphill battle as Joe Root’s England team had their sights set on a decisive win. However, the Australian captain, Pat Cummins, and the defiant Nathan Lyon proved to be the heroes of the day, scripting an incredible comeback.
When Alex Carey fell victim to an outrageous caught-and-bowled by Root, Australia still required 54 runs with the arrival of Lyon, commonly referred to as one of their “three No. 11s.” England, sensing an opportunity, had a second new ball in hand and were just two wickets away from sealing victory.
Remarkably, Cummins and Lyon stood firm, defying the expectations and frustrating the English bowlers. In the first over of the final hour, Cummins unleashed his aggression, smashing Root for two towering sixes, diminishing the target to single figures. Despite a heart-stopping moment when Lyon misjudged a hook shot and Stokes almost caught him, Lyon continued to contribute vital runs to the partnership.
The atmosphere at Edgbaston reached fever pitch as the England supporters rallied behind their depleted bowling attack. Cummins and Lyon faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, enduring body blows, but their determination remained unwavering. With just three runs required and 28 balls left, Cummins expertly guided a delivery from Ollie Robinson to the boundary, igniting scenes of jubilation among the Australian supporters. Echoes of the famous 2005 Ashes Test reverberated, but this time it was Australia who emerged triumphant, clinching the victory by two wickets.
Usman Khawaja’s exceptional contribution throughout the match cannot be understated. The batsman exhibited remarkable skill and perseverance, batting on all five days. Facing a staggering 518 balls, Khawaja played a pivotal role by top-scoring in both innings, amassing 141 and 65 runs, respectively. His partnership with Cameron Green provided stability when Australia was teetering, instilling hope within the team.
England fought back as Stokes, battling a chronic left-knee injury, dismissed Khawaja with a deceptive slower leg-cutter. Initially, the crowd hesitated to celebrate when Stokes refrained from joining in, but their hesitation quickly transformed into an explosion of joy as they comprehended the significance of the wicket. With just three more wickets needed, England was poised for victory.
However, England’s captain, Root, dropped two challenging half-chances off his own bowling, granting reprieves to Carey and Cummins. Despite the fielding lapses, Root redeemed himself with a spectacular reaction catch, dismissing Carey and breathing life back into England’s hopes.
Cummins assumed control of the game during the decisive phase, showcasing his batting prowess by launching consecutive sixes off Root’s bowling. Stuart Broad returned to the attack with the old ball, but Lyon’s aggressive stroke play intensified England’s anguish. Even with the arrival of the new ball, the tired English bowlers struggled to find any assistance, while James Anderson’s presence symbolized a changing of the guard.
Lyon’s confident batting stole the show as he played shots typically associated with top-order batsmen. His boundaries, including a sublime off-drive, left the English fielders help less. Cummins also joined the on slaught, dispatching the ball to the cover boundary with a powerful cut shot.
