ASHES - 2009 - Flintoff's test - well almost

Hello,

313-5 and Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin batting. Only a brave and optimistic Englishman would put all his money on the Lions.

But if someone had put their money there they have reaped in a good harvest. Andrew Flintoff, in his last ever Lord’s test, made sure of that - bowling for an hour and a half and taking five wickets. A famous and historic Ashes victory for England. The first at lords since 1934.

Flintoff’s five wickets is the first ever time at Lord’s, on the last possible occasion. Pure chance or class.

But to say it was Flintoff's game would belittle the other contributions. Andrew Strauss scored an impressive 161, James Anderson's allround performance in the first innings a vital 29 in a record breaking last wicket stand with Onions of 49 and four wickets. Swann's beauty in the second innings accounting for the dangerous Clarke. He took out Hussey and North before bowling out Mitchell Johnson, who is looking more dangerous with willow in hand than leather.

Australia was outplayed - their opening pair failed and the bowling is not good enough especially Mitchell Johnson who looks totally bereft of form

Test Cricket is live and kicking once again.