3rd Test : Lucky Clarke & unlucky North kill luckless English winning hopes!
Michael Clarke, on 92, got lucky. Ball from Stuart Broad kissed his stumps but bails stayed on. Clarke went on to celebrate his 50th test match with a century.Marcus North, on 96, was unlucky. James Anderson took a blinder at gully that he may have dropped without any criticism. North missed becoming only the 4th Aussie batsman to score 3 century in first 5 tests. But more importantly, this left-right hand lucky & unlucky combination denied England an imposing 2-0 lead in this 2009 Ashes series. Over half of this Edgbaston test was lost to rain and soggy outfield, yet it turned out to be entertaining till the very end. And England may well have won it, had they been not so luckless. Ravi Bopara got the edge and catch off a no ball while swing vanished for James Anderson that had tormented Australian first innings on day 2. Even Rudy Koertzen, vetern umpire who gave 4 decisions in home team's favour in first 2 innings, didn't seem as baised today! Mini Scorecard : England v Australia 2009 Australia 263/10 and 375/5 in 112.2 overs. England (1st Inn) 376 all out in 93.3 ovs. 3rd test match - Ashes 2009 - Edgbaston. Century on 50th test : by an Australia is a feat achieved only by Bill Lawry, Bob Simpson and Mark Taylor.. Today, Michael Clarke became the 4th Aussies to get the rare record. 5 tests, 3 century : is an incredible start to your cricketing career. Only Sir Donald Bradman, Arther Morris and Michael "Mr Cricket" Hussey have achieved it. Marcus North missed the elite record by 4 inches.. I mean runs! Series Situation : 1-0. in England's favour. But Australians hold the Ashes trophy as of now. Which means a drawn series is enough for team from downunder to retain the cup. 2 more tests remain, and England need to hold onto their lead, if not increase it, while Australians need to level the series as soon as they can. 4th test match will be played at Headingly Carnegie ground from Friday, 7th August 2009. Related Articles |