Key Points:
This time, even though the Boxing Day Ashes Test lasted only for 2 days and the batsmen could not make records of big scores, there was no dearth of excitement.
Delhi: This time, even though the Boxing Day Ashes Test lasted only for 2 days and the batsmen could not make records of big scores, there was no dearth of excitement. Another Boxing Day Ashes Test added to the history pages. List of the most exciting Boxing Day Ashes Tests of the last few years:
Karan’s troublesome test in 2017
This is the same Test in which Tom Curran celebrated dismissing David Warner on 99 on the first morning but after replays the decision was overturned because it was a no-ball. From there the Test slipped out of England’s grip. Before lunch, Warner scored 83 runs, later scoring his 21st century. Even though this test was a draw thanks to Alastair Cook’s brilliant 244 runs, England did not get the benefit that it could have from his big score. In the second innings, Warner scored 86 while Smith scored a century.
Pietersen’s enduring test in 2013
This Test was more talked about than Australia’s victory for Nathan Coulter-Nile’s faltering on the boundary rope after being caught by Kevin Pietersen. A huge crowd of 91,092 people gathered inside the stadium on the first morning and got the unique sight of Kevin Pietersen staying at the crease for more than four hours and scoring 67* and the day’s score was 226-6. Of the six batsmen, except Ben Stokes, each batted for an hour or more. Pietersen and later Alastair Cook also could not prevent Australia’s victory by 8 wickets.
Tremlett’s shock in the 2010 Test
The series was in an exciting position. Andrew Strauss’s England team won in Adelaide, drew the Gabba Test and lost in Perth and then came the Boxing Day Test. On the first day, Australia was all out for 98 runs and England were 157-0 in reply. Scored 513 runs and took a huge lead of 415 runs. This victory proved to be England’s first series win in Australia in 24 years.
High five in Warne’s home town in 2006 Test
This Test was much talked about for Shane Warne’s celebration of his 700th wicket after dismissing Andrew Strauss on the first day. In his last home town Test before retirement, Warne thrashed England. To record the 700th wicket, Warne needed one more wicket, which he got on his 20th ball in the England innings. At one time England was 159-5 but after that the team faltered and the last 8 wickets fell for 58 runs. Australia won the Test by an innings and Warne took a total of 7 wickets in the Test in front of his home crowd.
Botham’s explosive test in 1986
England did wonders and retained the Ashes by defeating Australia by an innings and 14 runs. After one win and two draws, Mike Gatting’s side swept the series with astonishing pace. On the first day, Botham took 5 wickets for 41 runs and also took 3 catches at second slip. Gladstone Small produced a man-of-the-match performance, taking five for 48 as Australia were all out for 141 at tea. England snatched the Test from them thanks to Chris Broad’s century. Botham always counted it as one of his favorite tours as an England cricketer.
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