Ashes 2019: England and Australia at Lord’s – Peering into the past
Lord’s is a special venue. The ground, the pavilion, the surroundings reek of cricket’s history and tradition. The walk through the long room rouses emotions of every batsman who goes through the ordeal. Getting their name on the honours board is a feeling which every batsman/bowler yearns and savours. The feelings overflow when it’s an Ashes Test.
The ‘home of cricket’ hosted its first England-Australia Test when the series had not been christened as the Ashes. Since 1884, Cricket’s ancient rivals have sparred against each other at the iconic ground a total of 36 times. On 14th August, the teams will have another go at each other for the little urn. Australia dominated England in the first Test at Edgbaston with twin tons from Steve Smith. The hosts will have to find a way to bounce back in the series.
The last time they met:
The scorecard of the 2015 Ashes Test at Lord’s can send hardcore English fans into a state of depression. In the second Test of that year’s Ashes, Steve Smith scored 215 and 58 in the game as Australia flattened England by 405 runs. Opener Chris Rogers also scored 173 runs in the first innings. This was Australia’s second-biggest win at the venue.
Highest score:
With Sir Don Bradman’s 254, Australia had posted a total of 729/6 decl. in the 1930 Ashes. The visitors went on to win the match by seven wickets.
England’s highest total at Lord’s against Australia is 494 which they scored in 1938. Wally Hammond starred with a mammoth score of 240 runs.
Most runs:
Predictably Sir Don Bradman holds the record for most Ashes runs at Lord’s. The legend scored 551 runs in four Tests with two centuries and a fifty. For England, David Gower scored 467 runs against Australia at this ground, which remains the highest tally for an Englishman against the Aussies.
Most wickets:
Australia’s legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath holds the record for most wickets at this ground in Ashes Tests. The metronome has taken 26 wickets in three matches with 8/38 being his best figures. England’s left-arm spinner Hedly Verity owns the second spot with 21 Australian wickets in two Tests.
Overall record:
In 36 Tests played at Lord’s between England and Australia, Australia have won 15 while the home team have won seven times. Overall, the English team have played 136 Tests at this historic venue and have won 55 games in contrast to 32 losses.
????????? The #Ashes returns to Lord’s next week!
One of sport’s greatest rivalries, at the world’s most famous ground.#LoveLords pic.twitter.com/bJhU6hr5TP
— Lord’s Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) August 10, 2019
