Flintoff scripts history for England by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Scorecard:	England v Australia
Player:	A Flintoff, GP Swann, BJ Haddin, MJ Clarke
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 20th July 2009

 

It was Andrew Flintoff's third five-wicket haul and the occasion was big enough for him to rise. He looked in no mood to allow Australia come closer to create any miracle. The right-armer was all fired up to create history for England, the last time he stepped out at Lord's. Right from his first over he looked lethal and bowled unchanged from one end for 10 overs to wrap up Aussies 17 minutes before lunch.

 

Even set batsmen Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke found him unplayable and his bowling alongside Graeme Swann's ended the Lord's Voodoo for England. They defeated Australia after 75 years at the Mecca of cricket and Flintoff deservedly walked off the ground to a huge standing ovation. He was also later declared the man-of-the-match for the stupendous show.

 

Earlier, Australia started off from their overnight total of 313/5 but just after addition of one run Freddie got the first breakthrough on the final day sending back Brad Haddin, to give England early glimpses of a win. He bowled a superb outswinger to which Haddin could not help but feel for it and the edge went low to Collingwood at second slip who took a fine catch.

 

Then Michael Clarke (136) and Mitchell Johnson tried to consolidate the innings and avoid the inevitable but Clarke's biggest strength turned his nemesis. Swann tossed it up and Clarke as usual was down the track. This time though he missed one which passed his bat at full toss length and then pitched, spun sharply to knock out his off stump. With this wicket all hopes of an Australia comeback were quashed.

 

Wickets then fell like nine pins as first Nathan Hauritz and then Peter Siddle found Fred's pace and reverse swing too much to fathom. Flintoff made them dance to his tunes before cleaning up both of them. Finally with the dismissal of Mitchell Johnson who scored a valiant 63, England's 75 year wait of beating Australia at the home of cricket ended.