Ashes 2009 Review 1st and 2nd Tests

After a zig zag game prevailed during the entire Ashes series 2009 it was England who emerged Victorious and won the Ashes 2009… England entered this series with a lot of hype which they carried from the 2005 Ashes series… But it was Australia who had the upper hand in the first test of the series in Cardiff….

First Test:

Cardiff Sophia Gardens hold the first test and the first ashes test of the 2009 and hold it in tremendous fashion… After a good start provided by the England openers, England middle order was not able to capitalized on it but they went on to make a decent first innings total of 435 with highest score being Kevin Pietersen's 69… Australia begin their Ashes defense in style by making a big first innings total of 674.. Ponting made the first century on the Sophia Gardens.. And there were useful contributions from both Haddin and North… After that Aussies tighten their grip on England by picking regular wickets and pushing for the first victory of 2009 Ashes… But it was Monty Panesar and James Anderson and (Twelfth man and Team Physio (by making regular field occupancy)) who make life difficult for the Aussies and the win… In the end it was a interesting and a nail biting draw for the first test…

England 435 & 252/9
Australia 674/6 D

Man of the match was Ricky Ponting for his century…

Second Test:

For the second test England make one change in the line up by bringing in Graham Onions and Dropping Monty… Before this test Andrew Flintoff announced his retirement… And this announcement made the England fans felt that Freddie must retire with an Ashes series victory…. England once again won the toss and choose to bat.. Both the openers were in aggressive mood and they punished Australian bowlers severely particularly Johnson… Cook felt just 5 runs short of a well deserved century.. But Strauss made a fine 161… Ben Hilfenhaus was the pick of the Australian bowlers picking 4 wickets… When the conditions are favouring James Anderson and when the ball is swinging nobody can mess with James Anderson.. He proved that once again by picking up 4 wickets and bundled out the Aussies for a small total of 215…. In the second Innings England scored at a much quicker pace and scored 311 runs in just 70 odd overs… Prior top scored with 61 from just 42 balls… Hauritz was the only bowler who troubled England… In the second Innings Australia started their chase in a disaster note.. They lost Hughes, Katich in quick succession… But at the end of the day the partnership between Clarke and Haddin restored some pride for Aussies.. For the fifth day Australia needed 209 to win and England need 5 wickets to win.. Both the victories are in hindsight only… But it was Freddie with his brilliant spell turned the tables for England and their first victory in Lords against Aussies since 1934…………. Freddie got the man of the match…

England 425 & 311/6 D
Australia 215 & 406

England won by 115 runs…

Man of the Match was Andrew Flintoff for his brilliant spell on the fifth day…