The Ashes 2013: Most memorable innings

Mark Taylor scored a defiant ton at Leeds in 1997.

13) Mark Taylor‘s defiant rearguard-century at Leeds in 1997 -

During the ’97 Ashes series, something didn’t seem to be right in the beautiful world of cricket. Australia was thrashed by a rejuvenated English team in the one-day series, and in the first Test at Edgbaston, they were bundled out for a paltry 118.

With England having put up a sizable total on board in their first innings, they were in sight of a famous victory.

It was also the time when Australia’s the-then captain, Taylor, was hounded by the press and former Australian cricketers like a pack of wolves for flopping miserably with a willow in hand.

Taylor gave a fitting-riposte to all his detractors who were baying for his blood with a backs-to-the wall century in the second innings of the first Test at Edgbaston. Taylor’s defiant century at Edgbaston wasn’t a purists delight. Yet, it is remembered fondly by Australian supporters for the way he banished his inner demons to make a valiant hundred.

Mark Taylor was an opening batsman in the traditional mould with fabled powers of adhesion. Taylor’s zen-like concentration prowess at Edgbaston was such that it seemed like he could wait until the cows come home for English bowlers to bowl to his strengths.

Every time, Gough, Caddick, Malcolm and Ealham bowled deliveries half-way down the track, he pulled them with panache. He was also very severe on anything that was bowled on his pads. Australia lost that Test, but Taylor’s resolute innings lifted the sagging spirits of the Australian team.