#4 Edgbaston, 1981
England 189 & 219 beat Australia 258 & 121 by 29 runs
In the fourth Test of what came to be known as “Botham’s Ashes”, the burly all-rounder’s stunning second innings spell of 5 for 1 enabled England to win after coming from behind. Their captain Mike Brearley got 48 in a below-par first innings total of 189, where none of the top seven made a substantial score. Terry Alderman bagged 5/42, including the scalp of Botham, and four wickets between Dennis Lillee and Ray Bright got the better of England.
The batting that followed was similar: five half-respectable contributions, with a highest of 47 from captain Kim Hughes took Australia to 258, just 69 ahead. Off-spinner John Emburey got 4/43 after Chris Old ran through Australia’s top order.
England’s top five then yet again wasted starts to surrender their wickets cheaply. This time, however, Old and Emburey had their say with the bat. Scores of 23 and 37*, respectively, went a long way in deciding the fate of the match. Bright, with 5/68, ensured England started shakily, while Alderman wiped out the tail to leave Australia with a target of 151.
From being at a secure 114/5 – they had Rod Marsh and Martin Kent standing – Australia slipped to 121 all out following a historic spell by the great Botham, where he nipped out all five lower order batsmen. England won by 29 runs.
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