Ashes Rewind - Third Test 2005: Moments from Old Trafford, Manchester

Brett Lee draws blood

Literally. England managed a significant lead in the first innings but Warne’s gritty knock ensured that there was work to be done for the English with the bat in the second innings.

Andrew Strauss, who would eventually lead England to consecutive Ashes victories in 2009 and 2010-11, was struck by a stinger from Brett Lee, drawing a bit of blood from the opener’s ear. Andrew Strauss managed to get his act together and swashbuckled his way to a potentially match-winning knock.

Australia would have to bat out the entire last day to draw the Test match.

Andrew Flintoff’s Fiery Spell

Andrew Flintoff did a lot more than just bowl and bat on a cricket field.

Old Trafford closed its gate an hour before the start of the game as the ground reached its maximum capacity. The final day of the Test match promised to be a thriller and the very first bit of action prophesied the thrills that were in store for the day.

Matthew Hoggard exacted an edge from Justin Langer with an unplayable delivery with his very first ball of the day. Australia managed to steady the ship courtesy Ricky Ponting but Andrew Flintoff, the showman, produced a fiery spell in the post-lunch session, dismissing Katich and Adam Gilchrist in quick succession leaving Australia gazing at the possibility of defeat.

Ricky Ponting’s Dismissal

The Australian captain played out 275 balls on the last day scoring a magnificent century under pressure but was dismissed about four overs from the close of play, leaving the last pair to battle it out in the middle.

He edged a delivery from Steve Harmison targeted at his ribs that came at an uncomfortable length. The look on the face of the Australian captain just that second before he was given out was one of guilt and astonishment that quickly turned into shock and terror as he realized the gravity of the moment.

Fortunately for him, Brett Lee ensured that Trent Bridge was not repeated as he played out the larger share of the last four overs to ensure a draw for Australia.