Freddie helps England break Aussie stranglehold after 75 years!!!

Andrew Flintoff playing his last test series sealed the faith of Aussies with a match winning spell of top class fast bowling. It was only his 3rd five for for England in test cricket and first since last Ashes in England in 2005.

Lords, 2nd Test, Day 1

Although Flintoff pushed the nails on the coffin, it all started on first session of Day 1 itself, when captain courageous Andrew Strauss after winning the toss added 196 for the first wicket with Alistair Cook. Cook was unlucky though to miss out on a century, when he was dismissed by Johnson for 95. Such was there assault on Aussies that Mitchell Johnson there strike bowler was hit for 77 runs in his first 11 overs and as many as 15 four's were hit of him. The Aussies came back strongly with wickets in the final session, but were handed a blow when Hauritz while attempting a catch of Strauss, dislocated his finger and could not bowl any further in that innings. The first day undoubtedly belong to Andrew Strauss who remained not out for 161 at the end of Day 1. With honours even with scoreboard reading 364 for 6.

Lords, 2nd Test, Day 2

The Aussies came back strongly 2nd morning, with the pick of the bowlers on day 1 Ben Hilfenhaus dismissing Strauss on the 2nd bowl of the day. Strauss failed to add a run to his 161 but that could not undermine the importance of this innings. With 2 more wickets Aussies had the advantage scoreboard showing 378 for 9. Yet again the 10th wicket pair proved their nemesis. The duo of Anderson and Onions added 47 runs off just 52 balls. Anderson played some scorching shots in his cameo of 29 off 25 balls. England ended their innings on a high, with a formidable first innings score of 425, Aussies had some catching up to do. They soon found themselves in trouble, when Hughes and Ponting departed early, Australia 10 for 2. Both wickets were taken by Anderson, who along with his opening partner Flintoff looked deadly with his swing. Katich and Hussey started cautiously, and ensured no further hiccups till lunch. After lunch they started playing shots which gave English bowlers a chance to comeback and with some rain around Aussies found themselves in deep trouble loosing 6 for 46 in final session, 156 for 8 when bad light forced the close of play early. Aussies were tested with some good short pitched stuff during that period, especially by Broad. England took the honors on day 2 with Australia needing a further 70 runs to avoid the follow-on. Strauss had some decision to make on whether to enforce follow-on or not.

Lords, 2nd Test, Day 3

Day 3 saw some stern resistance from the Australian tail enders as they added 59 runs more but couldn't cross the 225 run mark to avoid the follow-on. Which laid Strauss to make a decision,with a lead of 210 runs and sun shining, Strauss decided not to enforce the follow-on. Again it was a good start by the openers and again Johnson looked a shadow of himself. But Hauritz dismissed both the openers and ignited an Aussie revival, for the next 2-3 hours bowlers toiled hard, there were numerous plays and misses, as Pieterson and Bopara toiled hard. They were made to work hard for runs. And the pressure soon paid off as both batsmen departed. That brought Matt Prior to the crease who along with Collingwood decimated the Australian bowlers to all parts of the ground. It was a treat to watch the free flowing innings by Prior. Before departing he had scored 61 of just 42 balls. Then Collingwood and Flintoff helped England cross the 300 run mark. England ended day 3 at 311 for 6, with a lead of 521 runs, they were in total command.

Lords, 2nd Test, Day 4

The possible threat of rain forced Strauss to declare first up in the morning, setting Australia a herculean task of scoring 522 runs in 2 days. Australian's were in trouble straight away thanks to some poor umpiring decisions, while Katich given out to a no ball, Hughes catch was not referred to the third umpire, replays showed that ball clearly bounced before reaching Strauss at slip, Australia 34 for 2 also had to contain with a recharged Flintoff playing his last test at the Mecca of cricket Lords. Ponting looked good but dragged one back on his stumps of Broad, then Hussey was given out to another controversial decision, though I must admit it looked out from the naked eye, replays confirming otherwise. Swann was finding some sharp turn and drift and soon found North's stumps too, Australia at 128 for 5 and a threat of loosing out inside 4 days. Then came Haddin who provided much needed support to Clarke who looked in sublime touch. The duo added 185 runs before the close of play, with Clarke completing his century and Haddin his half century in process. All of a sudden 522 runs was not looking like that many with Australia ending day 4 at 313 for 5 and two batsmen at 125 and 80 respectively, we had a game on our hands.

Lords, 2nd Test, Day 5

The history was beckoning both teams; England who have not beaten Australia at Lords since 1934 and Australia who could possibly chase down a world record total. Anderson opened the attack with exceptional display of swing bowling kept Clarke at bay. Flintoff was next up and dismissed Haddin on the 4th ball of the over. After that Aussies had their backs to the wall and Flintoff ran through their tail, with a wonderful display of fast bowling in spell of 10 overs. He finished with figures of 27-4-92-5, he was equally well supported by Swann who finished with 28-3-87-4 and of-course with the all important wicket of Michael Clarke. Mitchell Johnson's brisk 63 runs helped Australia cross 400 runs. In the end 522 runs proving too much for Australia but they fought hard and who knows if a couple of decision's would have went their way, they might have overhauled this total. But they must remember what happened against India in Sydney test last year, So they mustn't blame the umpires now and should focus on getting the right combination for the next test otherwise they might end up with the same fate they did in 2005.