England’s fast bowler James Anderson gave credit to Australia after the visitors won the thrilling first Ashes Test by two wickets at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Tuesday. The veteran fast bowler admitted Australia were just too good for them.
Australia got over the line after their skipper Pat Cummins scored an unbeaten knock of 44 whereas Nathan Lyon added 16. In fact, England was in the driver’s seat when Australia needed 54 runs to win with two wickets remaining. However, Cummins and Lyon snatched a win from the jaws of defeat for Australia to help their team draw first blood in the five-match series.
Earlier in the day, Usman Khawaja scored a crucial knock of 65 runs off 197 balls as the left-hander showed all the patience. On the other hand, James Anderson was below-par as the veteran pacer could only take a solitary wicket in the Test match. Anderson had lacked game time as he didn’t play for Lancashire and thus he could not find his top rhythm in the first Test.
“We are gutted not to get over the line but over the next few days when we look back at what we have done we can be really proud. We have tried to dominate from ball one. The declaration was really positive. We fought and fought on a really placid pitch. But credit to Australia they were just to good for us,” said Anderson to BBC Sports.
Anderson admitted that they are areas in which they can improve in the upcoming matches and they will look to tick the right boxes.
“There are areas we can improve. There always is and in tight games those chances do get put in the spotlight. But we will let it soak in, get over the disappointment and look at the positives,” Anderson added.
Meanwhile, both teams came up with brilliant performances and this Test match will go down as one of the most thrilling games ever. Ergo, it was worth all the time and money for the fans of both sides.
“We have played some great cricket. We have had five sold-out days and everyone has gone home happy. Both sets of fans can go home saying they have been to one of the great Test matches,” said Anderson.
The second Ashes Test will be played at Lord’s, from June 28 onwards.
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