EDGBASTON: In a thrilling Ashes encounter at Edgbaston, Australian cricket players emerged victorious by two wickets, snatching a 1-0 lead in the test cricket series as skipper Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins took them over the line.
When the first Ashes test entered the last day was filled with tension, culminating in an extraordinary performance by the ninth-wicket partnership of Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins. Together, both Australian players added an unbroken 55 runs, defying the raucous crowd and successfully chasing down a target of 281.
The first Ashes test held special importance for the Australian test team, as it avenged their two-run defeat on the same Edgbaston cricket ground 18 years ago when they narrowly missed a target of 282. Lyon with an undefeated 16 runs, Cummins, who remained unbeaten with 44 runs, led Australia to their closest Ashes test victory in wickets since 1907.
English cricket team appeared to be on the path to victory when captain Ben Stokes bowled Usman Khawaja with a mesmerizing slower ball, and Joe Root showcased exceptional skills with a return catch off Alex Carey.
However, as the first Ashes test match entered its final hour, Cummins and Lyon thwarted England’s plans by skillfully countering the short-ball strategy.
When English test player Stokes almost pulled off a sensational flying catch in the first Ashes test to dismiss Australian test player Lyon, he lost control of the ball. With three runs required and less than five overs remaining, Australian player Pat Cummins steered Ollie Robinson towards the third man, where a diving Harry Brook fumbled, allowing Australia to secure an incredible win.
The Ashes test series now moves on to the second Test match at Lord’s on June 28.
