Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag was in awe of the exciting Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham. He highlighted how, regardless of the growing popularity of white-ball cricket, Test cricket manages to deliver close games.
The first match of Ashes 2023 was in the ranks of one of the greatest games in Test cricket history. Both England and Australia continued to challenge each other throughout the 5 days of the game and left no stone unturned in outdoing each other.
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England batted first and continued their superb attacking approach and recorded 393 runs. What caught the attention of many was captain Ben Stokes declaring the innings with Joe Root still struggling with the score of 118 runs unbeaten. In response, Australia lost wickets at crucial times, but Usman Khawaja kept them on the hunt and posted a brilliant ton.
The Australian opener scored 141 runs and brought his team closer to England’s total. Pat Cummins then led from the front and picked four wickets, making batting difficult for the opposition. His resounding spell along with Nathan Lyon’s four wickets rallied the hosts for 273 runs, setting himself a target of 280 runs to chase.
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England then put Australia under tremendous pressure after they once again dismissed David Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne on the cheap. But Usman Khawaja once again held the fort and scored a brave half-century. The Ben Stokes-led somehow managed to remove him along with other specialist batsmen and left the opposition reeling at 227/8.
It seemed that England would pave the way to victory. But Pat Cummins (44*) along with Nathan Lyon (16*) took over and won the game. The duo achieved a 50+ partnership and helped their team take a 1-0 lead.
Ashes 2023: ‘There’s a reason Test cricket will remain the ultimate single-player Test’, Virender Sehwag impressed by thrilling Edgbaston Test finish
The game between England and Australia kept everyone on their toes, including Virender Sehwag, who was nothing but praise for the exciting close encounter. He said such close games in the last 5-6 years show why Test cricket will continue to be the biggest test for the players. Taking to his Twitter account, he stated:
“The number of close games that Test Cricket has thrown in the last 5-6 years is just unbelievable. There aren’t many T20 I’s and except for the 2019 World Cup final, there’s hardly that much seat advantage in ODI cricket. There is a reason Test cricket will continue to be the greatest test for a player. To many more closed games in all formats”.
The number of close games that Test Cricket has thrown in the last 5-6 years is just unbelievable. There aren’t many T20 I’s and except for the 2019 World Cup final, there’s hardly that much seat advantage in ODI cricket. There is a reason Test cricket will continue to be the greatest test for a player. TO…
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 21, 2023
The second Test of Ashes 2023 is scheduled to take place at Lord’s in London. The game is scheduled for June 28.
Also read: Ashes 2023: ‘It’s a talking point’ – Kevin Pietersen, Nasser Hussain on Ollie Robinson’s antics against Usman Khawaja
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