England holds Ashes Series with 3-0 victory margin

Due to bad light, the fourth Test of the five-match Ashes Test series between England and Australia ended in a draw at the Oval in London. Because of this draw match, England could not secure its first ever 4-0 Ashes series.

Scoring 111 runs for the loss of six wickets in the second innings, the touring team Australia could set a target of 227 off 44 overs for the victory. After coming to chase this target, the home team scored 206-5 and they were very much close from victory. However, the umpires had to stop the play at 7:36 p.m. last night due to bad weather.

Umpires’ decision had undoubtedly broken the hearts of millions of people who were eagerly waiting to see their home team’s biggest victory margin against the arch-rival team in their home land. However, England had to take the trophy after completing a 3-0 series win.

The 3-0 victory was England cricket team’s biggest ever victory margin in Ashes since a 5-1 win in 1978-79 and in 1977 they got a 3-0 victory which is their best victory margin at home. It was the last time Australia failed to win a single match against its oldest foe.

This good performance has put England above India into second place in the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings which is lead by South Africa. On the other hand, Australia’s position has been slipped down to fifth place behind Pakistan. The former world number one team remained winless in their last nine Test matches.

Australia vs England 5th Ashes Test 2011: Match Report of the 1st Day

Australian cricket team takes on England in the series deciding 5^th Ashes Test which kicks off on 3^rd January 2011 at the at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In a rain interrupted opening day, host Australia scored 134 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. The first day of the five-day test match was played only 59 overs as bad weather forced to stop the match. Today, Australia will start the second day with 6 wickets remaining at hand.

Usman Khawaja is the first Asian born cricketer who made his test debut for Australian cricket team with a match against England. He debut against England was remarkable as he scored 37 with the bat in the first innings and he was the last wicket on the opening day. He was included in the Aussie squad to replace the injured Ricky Ponting.

It was obviously a tough challenge for Michael Clarke to make his captaincy debut. He became Australia’s 43^rd test captain. However, his debut as captain was not notable as he could not come out from his bad form.

Both Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes made good start in the opening stand and they were supposed to lead their team to make a strong bounce back in the series. They scored respectively 45 and 31 runs.

Tim Bresnan took two wickets of Shane Watson and Michael Clarke while the other two wickets were taken by Chris Tremlett and Graeme Swann.

England cricket team looks much confident and strong to win the title once again. Now, they are leading the series 2-1 after winning the fourth Ashes Test by an innings and 157 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Touring team is tension free because they need just a draw to clinch the series victory. On the other hand, host team has no option except win if they want regain their Ashes trophy.