The Sydney Morning Herald called it ‘Pomicide’; in truth it was 100 remarkable minutes of cricket that sealed this year’s Ashes. With Australia already 2-1 down and sent out to bat first they needed a healthy score to keep their hopes up in the fourth Test. They were all out before lunch for just 60 runs having faced only 111 deliveries; the shortest first innings in Test history. Oh dear.
Alone, that was pretty hilarious yet the funniest element was the identity of the chief instigator of Australia’s misery; their arch-nemesis, Stuart Broad. His 8-15 equalled the fastest five-wicket haul in Tests, incidentally his greatest bowling haul in first-class cricket. Heck, Extras top-scored for the first time in Ashes cricket which gave the scorecard a loopy, ‘did that really just happen!?’ look.
From then on England took control and even declared on 391/9 just for the giggles. A gutsy reply of 253 meant that England had regained The Ashes with an innings, and the fifth test, to spare. Back in June, former Australian fast-bowler, Glenn McGrath had predicted a whitewash in favour of the tourists. This begs the question, is there anything more satisfying in sport than seeing an Australian eat humble pie? You should probably ask Stuart Broad.
By Omar Soliman

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR