Ashes 2015: Top 5 moments from England's first Test win
Moeen's magic or Root's runs? See who tops our list...
Monday 13 July 2015 15:53, UK
Moeen magic
In fairness, he had his fair few moments in the first Investec Ashes Test, but this was arguably his most crucial contribution. With Australia nicely placed prior to lunch on day four at 97-1 in their pursuit of 412 to win, Moeen Ali trapped David Warner – who had just gone through to fifty – lbw.
It sparked a collapse of four wickets for nine runs, and five for 25. He took two more himself – to add to his dismissals of spin-specialists Steve Smith and Michael Clarke in the first innings – as England won by 169 runs and took a 1-0 series lead. Oh, and he scored 77 in the first innings. Not bad Mo…
Bell is back
It was only 60 sure, but it was an important score nonetheless. It is often said that Ian Bell never looks out of nick due to his silky strokeplay when at the crease, even if only for a short while. But Bell’s average since a ton in the first Test against the West Indies in April, and before this knock, was 6.28 over his last seven innings.
With Jonny Bairstow knocking at the door scoring runs for fun in county cricket, Bell’s place was under threat, and still could be. But his 60 in the second innings – from just 89 balls – was played in the positive manner we have grown to expect from this new-look England side, but had yet to see from Bell. It bodes well for the rest of the series.
Haddin drops the Ashes
Ok, maybe it’s a little too soon to say Brad Haddin’s drop has cost Australia the series with just one Test down. But Steve Harmison – and his first ball wide in the 2006/07 Ashes whitewash – will tell you of the importance of these opening exchanges on the result of the rest of the series. Haddin, at 37, is one of the ‘Dad’s Army’ contingent in the Australia team, and along with Shane Watson, is under the most pressure for his place in the side. It didn’t help that the man he dropped was Joe Root – who went on to score 134 – on nought.
Root’s run continues
Talking of Root, his incredible run over the last 18 months continues. His 134 came from just 166 balls and helped England recover from 43-3 on day one in Cardiff. It’s something he has made a habit of, with England’s recent top-order struggles, and his second Ashes hundred is the icing on the cake of a remarkable turnaround since he was dropped for the last Test of the 2013/14 Ashes whitewash. Root averages 84 across his 13 Tests since, with his ton in the first Test also taking him to a career-high fourth in the ICC Test batsmen rankings.
The winning moment
Root couldn’t keep himself out of the limelight for too long on the fourth and final day of the Test, helping to seal England’s win with two wickets – including Mitchell Johnson, who had smashed a quick-fire 77 – and the catch to end things. He was deservedly rewarded with man-of-the-match honours, but in truth, more than a few played their part in the win.
Adding to the names above, James Anderson and Stuart Broad bowled brilliantly with the new ball, while Mark Wood added another dimension. Plus, catches were taken, and Alastair Cook didn’t put a foot wrong as captain. After the winning moment, England were jubilant, while Australia looked crestfallen. With a short turnaround before the second Test starts at Lord’s on Thursday, it’s England in the ascendancy.
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