5 MEMORABLE ASHES MOMENTS

1st TEST EDGBASTON

AT 122 for eight on the first day of the series, Australia looked like going 1-0 down before they had warmed up. But in his first Test innings since his year-long ban because of Sandpapergate, Steve Smith (above) rescued them with a superlative 144. He later sealed the match with a second-innings 142. Smith was back — and how.

2nd TEST LORD’S

SMITH had moved to 80 in the first innings at Lord’s when Jofra Archer (below) pinged him on the neck during a ferociously fast spell that touched 96mph. Smith left the field for a concussion test, returned soon after before falling for 92, and was later ruled out of the next Test. The theatre that afternoon was breathtaking.

3rd TEST HEADINGLEY

ALL Nathan Lyon (below) had to do to secure a 2-0 lead for Australia with two Tests to play was catch a gentle return from Pat Cummins and, with Jack Leach stranded, whip off the bails. Somehow he dropped the ball, allowing Leach to return to safety, with England needing two to win…

3rd TEST HEADINGLEY

… BUT the drama wasn’t over. Next ball, Ben Stokes (below) missed a huge slog-sweep, only for umpire Joel Wilson to reject Lyon’s appeal. Australia had wasted their last review moments earlier and technology suggested Stokes was out. In the next over, he thrashed Cummins through the covers to move to 135 and complete a fantastical one-wicket win.

4th TEST OLD TRAFFORD

ENGLAND breathed an almighty sigh of relief when Leach (below) had Smith caught on 118 in Australia’s first innings. But their faces went white as they saw the replay: Leach had overstepped. Smith returned to the crease to hit 211 and set up Australia’s Ashesretaining win.