BACK PAGE: 1997

AUSSIE-BAITING England enjoyed an extraordinary day at Edgbaston as the Ashes got under way.

The tourists were skittled out for just 118 and at one point were reduced to a mind-blowing 54 for 8 after a torrid 96 minutes.

Andy Caddick was the pick of the attack with five wickets.

Darren Gough came to the party with three and Devon Malcolm picked up another two.

Mike Atherton’s side went on to win the match but it proved a false dawn – England lost the series 3-2 and the Aussies retained the Ashes.