It is the phrase that no one has been able to complete for a generation, at least not under oath, but it feels good once more to be able to say “ England have won an Ashes series in Australia ”.Not since Mike Gatting’s team were victorious here in 1986/7 has the feat occurred, which suggests that all empires, even ones hard-baked by the Australian sun, tumble given time. Andrew Strauss’s side have the makings for their dynasty after covering up the series 3-1 following their win here by an innings and 83 runs. Three victories by more than an innings is unprecedented for them against Australia and a humiliation never before suffered by their hosts in 135 years of Test cricket.
Needing three wickets on the final morning at the SCG, the coup de grace was delivered just before Noon by Chris Tremlett when he forced Michael Beer to play the ball onto to his stumps. The joy after Australia’s 24-year monopoly on their home turf was there for all to see as the team went into a group and danced on the grave of Australian dominance. When they stopped, it was time for hugs for Paul Collingwood, who unlike many can at least claim he ended his Test career on a career high. It wasn’t straightforward as many had hoped on the final morning, particularly the 19,000 mostly English fans who turned up to see the last rites administered.
Australia have lacked fight all series but resuming on 213-7, Steve Smith and Peter Siddle suddenly found some as showers swirled around the Sydney Cricket Ground, the pair adding 86 for the eighth wicket before Siddle holed out at deep mid-wicket off Graeme Swann.James Anderson took the catch and then promptly added Ben Hilfenhaus soon after in his first over with the second new ball. Anderson will now take a short rest after being the leading wicket-taker in the series with 24 wickets. He and all the pace bowlers used all over the series have been impressive throughout and further improvements can be expected now David Saker,
Needing three wickets on the final morning at the SCG, the coup de grace was delivered just before Noon by Chris Tremlett when he forced Michael Beer to play the ball onto to his stumps. The joy after Australia’s 24-year monopoly on their home turf was there for all to see as the team went into a group and danced on the grave of Australian dominance. When they stopped, it was time for hugs for Paul Collingwood, who unlike many can at least claim he ended his Test career on a career high. It wasn’t straightforward as many had hoped on the final morning, particularly the 19,000 mostly English fans who turned up to see the last rites administered.
Australia have lacked fight all series but resuming on 213-7, Steve Smith and Peter Siddle suddenly found some as showers swirled around the Sydney Cricket Ground, the pair adding 86 for the eighth wicket before Siddle holed out at deep mid-wicket off Graeme Swann.James Anderson took the catch and then promptly added Ben Hilfenhaus soon after in his first over with the second new ball. Anderson will now take a short rest after being the leading wicket-taker in the series with 24 wickets. He and all the pace bowlers used all over the series have been impressive throughout and further improvements can be expected now David Saker,
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