Pacer revives england's ashes hopes with 5-wkt haul
Pacer revives england's ashes hopes with 5-wkt haulStuart Broad re-ignited England's hopes of Ashes glory with a sensational five-wicket burst on the second day of the decisive fifth Test against Australia at the Oval yesterday.
Broad took five wickets for 27 runs in 12 overs to remove Shane Watson, captain Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin as Australia, bowled out for just 160.
Off-spinner Graeme Swann provided fine support with four for 38 as Australia suffered their third first innings collapse this series.
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England's Stuart Broad celebrates during his five-wicket haul against Australia on Day Two of the fifth Test at the Oval yesterday. |
That left England, who made 332 in their first innings, 172 runs in front and by stumps they had extended their lead to 230 after closing on 58 for three with three more days still scheduled in the match.
Australia left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson, with the aid of two catches at short leg by Simon Katich, removed England first innings top-scorer Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood, who again fell cheaply.
But England captain Andrew Strauss was 32 not out and Test debutant Jonathan Trott unbeaten on eight.
Dream positionIt was a dream position for England in a Test, with the series all square at 1-1, they had to win to regain the Ashes but one where Australia required merely a draw to retain them.
"We bowled well as a unit. We talked about putting pressure on together and it proved to be my day as well as Graeme's," said Broad.
"We were delighted as a team to bowl them out for just 160. It was a patient wicket. We saw (Australian seamer) Peter Siddle put it in the right area, kept it tight and the wickets came for him.
"We knew that if we could keep the scoring rate down, it would come for us. I was looking to hit the top of off because I knew there was variation in the wicket."
