Sports

The Ashes 2009 - England's first Ashes Win at Lord's in 75 years

by Kevin Fed | July 20, 2009 at 04:53 am

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England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff celebrated his final test at Lord’s on Monday with five for 92 to give the home side their first victory over Australia at the home of cricket for 75 years.

The capacity crowd at the historic Lord's erupted into frenzied celebrations when spinner Graeme Swann took the last wicket off Mitchell Johnson to give the hosts a memorable triumph which will be remembered for Andrew Flintoff's fiery five for 92.

England had the match sewn up before lunch, winning the second npower Ashes 2009 test at Lord’s by 115 runs.

Flintoff’s decision to announce his retirement before Lord’s seems to have had every possible desired effect: each thing Flintoff achieved was known to be his “last at Lord’s”; he inspired England to a victory that appeared unlikely at Cardiff last week; and, he took five wickets for the first ever time at Lord’s, on the last possible occasion. Pure class.

But this match was won by England, not lost by Australia.

Flintoff was named Man of the Match for his five wicket haul. Few could argue with that, though it is good to see that there were many players who could have taken the prize. A special mention must also go to Australian Michael Clarke who scored a magnificent 136 in incredible pressurised circumstances after his teammates had shown far less composure.

Australia had not been beaten by England at Lord’s since 1934, until today.

It’s definitely series on now, after many England fans were predicting a 4-nil drubbing after the miraculous draw at Cardiff.