Well, yesterday may have been a very exciting day of test cricket but it was nothing on today. Absolutely amazing stuff. I really wish I’d been there.
The morning started well enough, the Australian batsmen playing well for half an hour. Then it all changed. A massive collapse saw them lose all but the final two batsmen. And then Ashton Agar strolled out to the middle. He was 19 and never played in a test match, let alone an Ashes innings.
There was a scare when he was on 6 runs (apparently it really was a run out but he was let off) but after he settled, there was no stopping him. According to Geoffrey Boycott, not known for thinking anyone can do anything right in cricket, he batted brilliantly, rarely putting a foot (or bat) wrong.
He (along with Hughes at the other end) turned the match around, giving Australia a chance. It was one of the most exciting innings I’ve ever listened to. And there’s two more young Agars waiting in the wings. Another set of Chappells, maybe…
Sadly he didn’t make his maiden century, getting caught at 98 but I don’t think it really mattered. He had played a truly heroic innings, setting the record for the highest score for a final batsman. Alongside this, the partnership between Agar and Hughes was also the highest ever scored for the final wicket.
Before the test started, there was a lot of chat about how the English would dominate this Ashes series (and with very good reason) but they had no idea about Ashton.
Cricket is going very well.
love mum x