by The Professor » Sun Mar 06, 2016 10:56 am
On this day in 1895 heroics from Jack Brown allows England to claim the Ashes.
The morning began poorly for England. From the first ball of the day Andrew Stoddart was lbw to a delivery by Harry Trott. England were 28-2.
Jack Brown came in and started inauspiciously, getting a shot far too close to the fielder in his first over. Despite this he made 11 off George Giffen's next over, including successive fours. This began his barrage. He reached 40 in 18 minutes and 50 in 23. Albert Ward, seeing the story that was unfolding, allowed Brown to keep the strike with him only chipping in when needed. When the partnership century came up Brown had scored 64. At lunch England were 146 for 2 (Brown 80, Ward 41).
Brown's batting was rambunctious but not flawless. He could have been caught on 88 when he was dropped by George Giffen. Giffen had been flawless up to this point in the series. The Aussies were getting flustered. Brown was not. Brown's hundred is officially listed as taking 95 minutes.
Brown was finally out for 140 in two hours and 28 minutes. His partnership of 210 with Ward was the highest in Test cricket to that point, making England 238-3 and leaving a simple task for Archie MacLaren and Bobby Peel.
England had won the Ashes and it was, largely, down to one (large) man.
"It has been said of the unseen army of the dead, on their everlasting march, that when they are passing a rural cricket ground the Englishman falls out of the ranks for a moment to look over the gate and smile."