With the current Test providing a surprising array of cricket coupled with being the author of cricketing history it seems like a nonsensical move not to look back at the 5 most memorable Tests in the history of this age old competition.
5) Sophia Gardens 2009: A draw tasting as sweet as a win
“Only three teams in history have scored 200+ in the fourth innings to win at Trent Bridge #ashes stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stat…”
“Highest successful fourth innings run chase at Trent Bridge in Ashes Tests is 3-189 by England in 1977. Best by Australia is 3-158 in 2001.”
“@tnfcricket when I grow up I wanna be Ashton Agar! #Ashtag #ashes #tnfcricket pic.twitter.com/9lZLheDwLN”
“@TrentBridge: Exclusive podcast with Duckworth Lewis Method audioboo.fm/boos/1497834-t… #ashes #RISE””
“@ECB_cricket If (IF) Broad is fully fit to bowl in the 2nd innings, i think we can defend around 230/240. #Ashes #Rise”
England have moved on to 172-4 which is a lead of 107. Their journey has had a few bumps though as Bell was reprieved when he reviewed his LBW decision by the narrowest of margins. Bell is on 35 but he has just lost partner Bairstow for 15 as he edged behind to Haddin of Agar. Five down, new ball to come and Matt Prior is heading to the crease.
Usually the first faces people see when walking into Trent Bridge are those of Kate Skerry and Catherine Waite. These are the women behind the main reception and are always happy to help.
Kate Skerry has seen some unusual things during her time behind the front desk, “We’ve had two men on stilts trying to get into the lift!”. Dealing with interesting characters is just another day on the job “being able to help with their inquiries, answering random questions is absolutely wonderful”. Being modest about her role, Kate believes that a difference can be made every day, even when the Ashes moves to Lords for the second test match.
“Every single match, every single customer, every single game, every single ball, it doesn’t matter they’re all treated the same. We bend over backwards to look after our customers and we always smile sweetly and hope everybody has a wonderful time. Regardless of what kind of format it is or how long the format is”.
A balanced session for both teams which will see Australia the happier of the two sides. They have removed two of England’s biggest danger men in Cook and Pietersen but the hosts have still added 77 runs during the session taking their lead to 92. Join us in 40 minutes when England will resume on 157-4.
Even after a little recovery, England still find themselves in some bother on 155-4 and James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc tie the score down before tea. Bell has moved on to 20 with Bairstow on 11 with the crowd starting to push England on. The afternoon session is sure to bring more surprises and it could be the most crucial session so far in deciding the match.
“I’d like to again thank England for sending us to paradise for punishment. #theashes #ReturnTheUrn #RISE #engvaus pic.twitter.com/WEvgKgznkO”
“Please could we have a nice boring day at Trent Bridge? A couple of century partnerships, 3 or 4 wickets max?”
“Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen have now added more runs batting together in Test cricket than Hobbs and Sutcliffe (who added 3339)”
“Trent Bridge weather forecast: Blazing sunshine and beers leading to mid afternoon kips and then early evening lairyness. Wish I was there.”
An outstanding catch from Michael Clarke at slip does for Cook just after reaching his first 50 at Trent Bridge and gives Agar his first test wicket. Suddenly, England find themselves in some trouble as they have two new batsmen at the crease and are effectively 68-4. Bairstow is the next man to the crease and he will be hoping to build on his start from the first innings.