Third Test at Edgbaston ends in comfortable draw
Michael Clarke rode his luck to reach a century
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Australia rallied to 88-2, a mere 25 runs behind, but England put themselves in a strong position going into the final day of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston. |  |
Monday, 03, Aug 2009 06:41
The third Ashes Test at Edgbaston finished in a draw, meaning that England will go into the fourth Test at Headingley on Friday with a slender 1-0 lead in the series.
Michael Clarke made an unbeaten 103 and Marcus North 96, compiling a 185-run partnership together, as Australia coasted to 375-5.
England needed to take quick wickets early in the day to have any hope of a victory, but after taking two wickets before lunch, were frustrated by Clarke and North in a fruitless second session.
When Stuart Broad had Mike Hussey caught behind for 64 to leave Australia 172-4 at lunch, England would have been hoping for a smash-and-grab victory. It was a huge wicket for the hosts, and an equally huge wicket for Broad, whose bowling has been under the microscope after a poor series to date.
Previously, James Anderson had claimed the wicket of Shane Watson to end the makeshift opener's defiant partnership with Hussey.
The pair put on 85 before Watson edged Anderson behind in the first over after drinks, having been shaken up by some body blows from Andrew Flintoff before the break.
The 28-year-old all-rounder, replacing Phillip Hughes in the Australian line-up, made 53 - his second half-century in the match.
Later in the day and late in his innings, Clarke received two kisses from Lady Luck in his quest for 100. First a Broad delivery skimmed his off stump without removing a bail, and then, on 96, he was caught off a Ravi Bopara no ball.
Marcus North batted well until James Anderson took an incredible catch off Broad to leave him four short of a second century in the series.
But ultimately, Clarke and North's resilience spelled a much-needed draw for the tourists.
The man of the match accolade was awarded to Clarke for his match-saving century.