There is a saying, “Giants cannot be kept quiet for long”. Australians not in verge of things, played like true champions as they cannot be kept quiet silent for long. Australia, undoubtedly one of the power houses in the cricket world was back with the bang. They have beaten England comprehensively by an innings and 80 runs in the 4th Ashes test at Headingley.
This victory means that they have not only leveled the series 1-1 but also given a chance for them to retain the Ashes. Right from the day one, Australians dominated the proceedings and played like a true champions. To start with, they have restricted England to paltry 102 in the first innings in which Peter Siddle took 5 for just 21.
Australia batted well in their first innings to score 445 runs and given a huge first innings lead of 343. Marcus North scored a brilliant century and created partnerships with Michael Clarke who himself missed a century by 7 runs. Ricky Ponting too batted well to score 71. As Ponting expected, make-shift opener Shane Watson hit useful 51. Stuart Broad lone English bowled excelled by taking 6 for 91 runs.
England started off well in their second innings before Hilfenhaus and Johnson started their rampage act. Skipper Andrew Strauss scored 32 and got lbw to Hilfenhaus and Ravi Bopara went lbw for a duck to Hilfenhaus again. Then Johnson who was projected as a strike bowler peaked at the right time. In no time, he has removed Alaistair Cook for 30, Ian Bell for 3 and Paul Collingwood for 4.
Resuming 82 for five in the third day, England again had a nightmarish start. Night watchman James Anderson edged the third ball of Hilfenhaus and Ponting at slip grabbed it. Matt Prior who scored 22 fell to outswinger of Hilfenhaus and Haddin took a brilliant catch behind. Then Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann came in to act. Broad and Swann forged an aggressive partnership. They have scored 100 runs in 73 balls. Broad sweetly timed the ball and scored boundaries continuously. Graeme Swann too was in hammering mood. They both have reduced margin of defeat. But defeat is always in the cards since 2 more days left. Broad utilized the catches dropped by Aussies. Finally he fell to Siddle for 61 runs caught by Watson at deep square leg. Then Swann and Onions got out to Johnson after interval. It was all over for England in less than 3 days. Johnson ran in to form by taking five wickets for 69.
This victory means that they have not only leveled the series 1-1 but also given a chance for them to retain the Ashes. Right from the day one, Australians dominated the proceedings and played like a true champions. To start with, they have restricted England to paltry 102 in the first innings in which Peter Siddle took 5 for just 21.
Australia batted well in their first innings to score 445 runs and given a huge first innings lead of 343. Marcus North scored a brilliant century and created partnerships with Michael Clarke who himself missed a century by 7 runs. Ricky Ponting too batted well to score 71. As Ponting expected, make-shift opener Shane Watson hit useful 51. Stuart Broad lone English bowled excelled by taking 6 for 91 runs.
England started off well in their second innings before Hilfenhaus and Johnson started their rampage act. Skipper Andrew Strauss scored 32 and got lbw to Hilfenhaus and Ravi Bopara went lbw for a duck to Hilfenhaus again. Then Johnson who was projected as a strike bowler peaked at the right time. In no time, he has removed Alaistair Cook for 30, Ian Bell for 3 and Paul Collingwood for 4.
Resuming 82 for five in the third day, England again had a nightmarish start. Night watchman James Anderson edged the third ball of Hilfenhaus and Ponting at slip grabbed it. Matt Prior who scored 22 fell to outswinger of Hilfenhaus and Haddin took a brilliant catch behind. Then Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann came in to act. Broad and Swann forged an aggressive partnership. They have scored 100 runs in 73 balls. Broad sweetly timed the ball and scored boundaries continuously. Graeme Swann too was in hammering mood. They both have reduced margin of defeat. But defeat is always in the cards since 2 more days left. Broad utilized the catches dropped by Aussies. Finally he fell to Siddle for 61 runs caught by Watson at deep square leg. Then Swann and Onions got out to Johnson after interval. It was all over for England in less than 3 days. Johnson ran in to form by taking five wickets for 69.
