CARDIFF: The last wicket pair of Monty Panesar and James Anderson played 69 balls without being separated to enable England to cling to a dramatic draw against Australia today in the face of defeat in the opening Test of the five-match Ashes series. England having conceded a first innigns lead of 239 runs was in deep trouble when Panesar joined Anderson at the wicket in the final session of the fifth and final day. The two tailenders kept the Australian bowlers at bay till the scheduled end of the match in the opening Test at Sophia Gardens.
The last wicket stand of 19 in 69 balls between Anderson (21 not out in 53 balls) and Panesar (seven not out off 35 balls) helped the hosts to a draw as they finished on 252 for nine.
Earlier, Paul Collingwood scored a painstaking 74 in nearly six hours to set the stage for the heroics by the last wicket pair.
England, who had made 435 runs in the first innings, reached 252 for nine at the close of play. Australia had scored 674 in the first innings.
The second Test of this five-match series starts at Lord's where Ashes-holders Australia have not lost a Test since 1934 on Thursday.
Even in dis test Aussies proved they r cryin babies..They couldn pick d last wicket so complained on Eng players like they unnecessarily wasted d time by changin d gloves etc etc.. Actually wat happened was while havin drinks some spilled in der gloves so d 12th man brought d gloves by d action shown by d batsman n d physio came along with tat 12th man to inform d batsman like h many overs still they ve to stay in crease.. Really Panesar played very well in d last 12 overs... On d whole its been nice test to watch...
ReplyDelete