10 greatest Ashes Tests of all time

#1 Edgbaston, 2005

In what would turn out to be the Test of the century, Australia lost by 2 runs while chasing 282

England 407 & 182 beat Australia 308 & 279 by 2 runs

Little could anyone have guessed that this would go on to become the Test of the century when Glenn McGrath pulled himself out of the contest at the last moment; but hints of the same perhaps arrived when Ricky Ponting, who, to shock one and all, opted to bowl on a batting paradise.

England capitalized with an opening stand of 112, Marcus Trescothick getting to 90. But the real fun took place when a young Kevin Pietersen, in only his second Test, and Andrew Flintoff, swung their bats at will. A union of 103 in which Flintoff alone smacked 68 with 6 fours and 5 sixes was a constant reminder to Ponting as to what could have been had he batted.

Pietersen clobbered 71, helping England to 407. Justin Langer got 82 for Australia but in the second innings, Flintoff again demolished them with 73 – this time with 6 fours and 4 sixes. Shane Warne took 6/46 ensuring Australia needed 282 to win. The chase never took off with Australia finding themselves in deep trouble at 175/8, having only Warne, Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz left in the hut.

Warne and Lee took it to 220 before the former was dismissed hit wicket. But the ship was steadied and the match sprung into life with Australia only 3 away from victory. Steve Harmison then pitched it short, Kasprowicz gloved it and wicket-keeper Geraint Jones dived to complete the catch of the summer. England had managed to pull off a great escape, sealing the deal by 2 runs.