Emerald Headingley will host the Third Specsavers Ashes Test in August when Joe Root’s England go head-to-head with Tim Paine’s Australia. The series is sure to be a thriller, with a possibility that the urn could be lifted in Yorkshire. With Ashes cricket having seen many famous day fives, we look at one of the classics…
The Oval – 2005
One of the fondest memories for many fans of England cricket… the umpires removing the bails on the fifth day at The Oval to confirm England had regained the Ashes for the first time in 16 years.
The series in 2005 gripped the nation, with Michael Vaughan’s men inspiring a generation with their positive approach overcoming a very strong Australian side. A 2 – 1 England win was sealed in South London when, following a period of bad light at the end of day five, time was called on the game. This sparked celebrations up and down the country, but Australia made the Three Lions work hard for their draw on day five.
After just 14 minutes of play, England had lost their captain Vaughan along with batsman Ian Bell, and were just 73 runs ahead with seven wickets remaining, meaning a dramatic collapse could let Australia back into the game.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
Kevin Pietersen, having already made an impressive impact on the series, strode to the crease knowing England’s fate was in his hands. Flashes of worry, with a first-ball appeal turned down, were soon followed by moments of pure brilliance as the South-African born batsman unleashed a phenomenal array of shots to counteract some testing bowling.
From slog-sweeping Shane Warne into the stands, to lofting Glenn McGrath straight down the ground and hooking a Brett Lee bouncer high into the crowds, Pietersen put on a show for a sell-out Oval. The destructive batsman scored 158 off just 187 balls, with 15 fours and a remarkable seven maximums. This was the batsman’s maiden Test hundred, making the achievement all the more impressive.
By the time Pietersen was dismissed, bowled by McGrath, the Three Lions had scored 308 runs with little more than an hour left in the day, leaving far too much for Australia to do.
That day has gone down in Ashes folklore, as England clinched the famous old urn and ended years of Australian dominance, at least temporarily.
Secure priority access to tickets for day five of the summer’s Emerald Headingley Ashes Test!
Tickets for day five of this summer’s Ashes Test at Emerald Headingley will go on general sale on Monday 10th June.
Tickets cost just £25 for adults and £5 for juniors, with allocated seating in place around the ground. The following refund policy is in place:
No play – Full refund
15 overs or less – Full refund
15.1 overs to 29.5 – 50% refund
Secure your seat for day four!
A limited number of seats remain for day four of the Ashes Test at Emerald Headingley, all located in the Emerald Stand.
