England Claim Ashes Cricket Series
England have won the Ashes
As expected England wrapped up the fourth Ashes test against Australia at the MCG. Australia reached 9/258 and due to the absence of Ryan Harris that gave England the win by an innings and 157 runs.
England win the series 2-1 and retain the Ashes. The last time the two sides met in Australia for a series it was a 5-0 win to the Aussies. Things have changed since then and the Australian team suffered two one sided losses.
Now with Ricky Ponting most like to rest an injured finger for the fifth test to be held in Sydney we could see a change in team captain with Michael Clarke the likely candidate to step in.
If it does happen will it be a permanent change?
Getting back to the match Australia was completely outclassed after getting off to the worst possible start, being dismissed for 98 in the first innings. England followed that up with a sizable total of 513. The highlight being an unbeaten 168 by Jonathan Trott.
In the second innings Australia started reasonably well however a foolish run-out that claimed the wicket of Phillip Hughes was the beginning of the end.
Ponting, Clarke and Hussey could only contribute 33 runs between them. By the end of day three the match was as good as over.
Well done to England. Now the interesting thing will be the team selection for the fifth Ashes test in Sydney. Will the selectors give some of the fringe players a chance?
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