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In a captivating opening match of the Ashes 2023 series, Australia emerged triumphant over England in a nail-biting encounter at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Despite the ‘Bazball’ style of play, England, led by Ben Stokes, fell short against a resilient Australian side under the leadership of Pat Cummins.
After being dismissed for 273 in their second innings, England set a target of 281 runs for the visitors. Australia’s bowlers, spearheaded by Cummins, played a crucial role in restricting the hosts’ total. Cummins, in particular, shone with the ball, claiming four wickets in the second innings.
Chasing a challenging target, Australia faced several hurdles but displayed great resilience throughout the match. Captain Cummins showcased his versatility, not only leading the bowling attack but also playing a match-winning knock with the bat. Cummins remained unbeaten on 44 and hit the winning runs, guiding Australia to a thrilling 2-wicket victory.
As the winning runs were struck, the Australian camp erupted in wild celebrations. Cummins, brimming with joy, threw off his helmet, tossed his bat, and lifted teammate Nathan Lyon in a jubilant display of triumph.
Here is the video:
The iconic finish this match deserved 🤌
📹 | Relive the winning moment from an exhilarating 1st Test in #TheAshes 🤩#SonySportsNetwork #RivalsForever #ENGvAUS #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/qTQ9RiWGQg
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/DmkMuth/status/1671349495492411394
“It was no one’s Test match until it was won”: Usman Khawaja
Opener Usman Khawaja, who delivered consistent performances for Australia, played a pivotal role in their victory. Khawaja top-scored for his side in both innings, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. Notably, the left-handed batter smashed a tremendous century in the first innings (141) and followed it up with a crucial knock in the second essay (65).
After the game, Khawaja termed this contest as his favourite match, mentioning how nervous he was while watching the closing moments from the Aussie dressing room.
“So heart-wrenching. When you’re playing you’re fine. Hard to watch. Definitely one of my favourite Test matches. I couldn’t watch it with the guys. Was too much nervous energy there. Was watching in the change room on the delayed feed. Personally for me, even now, I’ve never felt like this. The ebb and flow of the whole game. It was no one’s Test match until it was won,” said Khawaja in the post-match presentation.
