Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Ashes 2019: England thrashed at Edgbaston as Australia go one up in series

Here's how final day of the first Test played out

Harry Latham-Coyle
Edgbaston
,Jonathan Liew
Monday 05 August 2019 12:36 EDT
Comments
Ashes 2019: Joe Root and Tim Paine prepare for England vs Australia

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England were knocked over for 146, with Nathan Lyon spinning his way to six wickets as Australia went one up in the Ashes series at Edgbaston.

England had not lost a Test at their Birmingham stronghold since 2008 and toasted victory in each of their previous 11 matches here across all formats. Australia, meanwhile, had lost 15 successive games on Warwickshire's turf, dating all the way back to 2001.

But, just three weeks on from a historic World Cup success, the second part of English cricket's golden summer got off to a dreadful start as they were rolled over well before tea.

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load

England 141-9 (target 398), J Anderson 0, C Woakes 36, P Siddle 0-28 (12)

That was it, but down the catch goes! 

Delight for the home supporters as the zoom reveals it is Steve Smith failing to hold on to a sharp chance at second slip as Woakes chases a wide one from Siddle. The ball travels swiftly downwards to his left and through his clutches. A very tough opportunity, but a drop is a drop, and the Hollies Stand makes sure he knows.

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:07

England 146-9 (target 398), J Anderson 4, C Woakes 37, N Lyon 6-49 (20)

The cheers do not stop coming! The latest one is drawn after an Anderson edge, one that somehow pierces the three-man cordon and trundles down to third man for four.

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:11

OUT! It's all over! Pat Cummins returns, Chris Woakes fends to slip and Australia take the first Ashes Test! 

C Woakes c Smith b Cummins 37 (54b 7x4 0x6), England 146 all out

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:13

Australia win by 251 runs

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:14

It was a tame end to an enterprising cameo from Chris Woakes. Cummins dug one into the surface, Woakes tried to lean back and flay over the slips but only succeeded in finding (who else?) Steve Smith in the slips. 

Australia take a 1-0 lead in the series, and have beaten England at Edgbaston for the first time since 2001!

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:15

Six for Cummins, four for Lyon, and a very comprehensive victory for Australia, with none of the nervy stuff that some foresaw at the day's beginning. 

Tim Paine's delayed declaration mattered not and Australia can enjoy an evening off after a fine start to the series. From 122-8 just before tea on the first day to comfortable victors by 251 runs before tea on day five - an excellent win.

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:20

Where to for England? Moeen Ali's exclusion seems a likely bet for Lord's, while Jonny Bairstow might just be looking over his shoulder with Ben Foakes back to fitness. Joe Denly's selection at number four remains a curious one - might Jason Roy at four with Dom Sibley in as an opener be more sensible?

It doesn't sound like James Anderson will be fit for that second test, and England will be hoping Jofra Archer finds some red ball form and fitness with the Sussex second eleven over the next few days. Questions aplenty for Joe Root and Trevor Bayliss.

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:25

Jonathan Liew watched everything unfold at Edgbaston over the last five days:

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:28

Unsurprisingly, Steve Smith is named Player of the Match.

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:34

Joe Root: "It does hurt, bitterly disappointing, I thought we played some good cricket but credit to Australia.

"There was some high class bowling, we were made to work hard but I think you look further back in the Test match for where we lost it. We didn't do it for long enough and didn't take our chance."

Harry Latham-Coyle5 August 2019 15:38

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in