The first Test Match is over, and Australia are the victors, winning by 2 wickets in front of hushed English supporters, exuberant Australian supporters, and appreciations from others. This was an exciting first test, measured in part by the fact that there was no visible rush for the exits as the final ten overs were in play.
The first innings scores were a virtual tie. The result depended on the second innings performances. England were all out in the 62nd over for 273 runs. Joe Root, Harry Brooks, and captain Ben Stokes contributed the lion’s share (mid 40’s) of the runs scored. Australian Captain, Cummins (4/63) and Nathan Lyon (4/80), destroyed the English batters.
The target for Australia Was 282 runs, and despite the rain interruption and delay, Australia had more than enough playing time and overs to complete the task. With England’s ace-in-the hole, Moen Ali, hampered by his finger injury, Captain Ben Stokes marshalled his troops, and the fall of each Australian wicket, signaled a new battle. Bowlers-in-chief, Broad (3/64) and Robinson (2/43), lit the fuse and fired the grenades. But, for all the explosions and noise around him, one Australian stood resilient and became the anchor that withstood the volleys. Usman Khawaja (65 runs), batted like a retaining wall holding back the relentless onslaught. At one time in a 2-hour partnership period, Usman contributed a low total of approximately 16 runs.
When Usman dragged a Stokes delivery onto his stumps in the 72nd over, Australia had scored 209/7. Carey followed 18 runs later. And the English fans had visions of the English fighters at the top of the Australian wall. In a rear-guard action, battle tested Australian Captain Cummins led the fight to hold the battle line. Twenty overs and 54 runs later, Cummins (44 runs not out) and Lyons (16 runs not out), had brilliantly strategized to repel the fearsome English bowlers. The battle was won by the Australians, by 2 wickets.
Congratulations to Australia, and, I am mindful of my day 1 rebuke of Ben Stokes “silly” declaration that set this climactic final day in motion. Commiserations to Ben, I hope that the lesson was not lost on you.
Compiled By Dennis Heath
