English bowlers shine as England took 1-0 lead in Ashes

Tags: The Ashes 2015, England Vs Australia - 1st Test at Cardiff, Jul 8-12, 2015, England, Australia, Joseph Edward Root, Stuart Christopher John Broad, Moeen Munir Ali

Published on: Jul 12, 2015

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

England bowled out Australia for 242 to win the first test of the Ashes by 169 runs. Australia began the day needing a total of 412 runs over Days 4 and 5, but England bundled out Australia on day 4 which ensured that day 5 is not needed.

England bowled out Australia for 242 to win the first test of the Ashes by 169 runs. Australia began the day needing a total of 412 runs over Days 4 and 5, but England bundled out Australia on day 4 which ensured that day 5 is not needed.

Australia were always up against a stiff total, and a successful chase would have been the highest in Ashes history. Visitors never looked like on track to chase this mammoth total, as England took their first wicket just 10 overs in. Chris Rogers scored just 10 runs before he was dismissed by Broad. With the variable bounce on the pitch, Broad adjusted his line and length to bowl a delivery flying toward the shoulder of the bat, which was duly edged to Ian Bell at second slip. Warner's arrival sparked some hope for the Australians, with his half century helping them to 97 for one just before lunch. But England went into lunch on a perfect note however, when Moeen Ali took Warner for an lbw. England took another five wickets in the afternoon session to erase any hope Australian’s had. Broad took his second of the day as he crucially dismissed Steven Smith, he was looking good for a big score but could only managed 33 runs. Michael Clarke and Adam Voges fell in quick succession soon after, with Broad making his hat-trick before Wood's clever off-stump delivery offered Jos Buttler an easy catch. Australia looked rattled, and it wasn't long before another batsman fell. This time, it was Brad Haddin on seven runs. Haddin hit a hard strike over mid-on, but the shot was far too low, and Alistair Cook was able to pounce and grab an excellent catch, which required more than a little juggling before it was under control. Shane Watson tried to steady the ship as Australia were reduced to 122 for six, but after making just 19 runs, the 34-year-old all-rounder found himself once again on the receiving end of an lbw, the 29th of his test career.

Australia limped to tea with 162 for seven, but England were determined to end this on Day 4. Johnson's admirable 77 came courtesy of nine fours and a pair of sixes, but it was all for naught as the English once again stepped up their bowling. The eighth wicket was a real team effort, with opening pair Cook and Adam Lyth combining for the catch at gully and slip after the former parried it for the latter to secure. In the 70th over, the ball was edged to Lyth at slip yet again as Johnson clipped an attempted slog. The result was sealed just minutes later, when Josh Hazlewood got under Ali's ball to send it high into the air for Root to make a simple catch.

Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali took three wickets apiece, while Mark Wood and Joe Root each took two. For Australia, David Warner's knock of 52 and Mitchell Johnson's 77 were the sole highlights in a disappointing day at the crease.

So, England is now 1-0 up in five test match series. Australia would ideally like to make comeback in the next game.

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