Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.
Venue- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne [December 26-30, 2017].
In the Australian Summer of 2017-18, English Cricket Team toured Australia to defend their Ashes Title. Unfortunately they lost the first three tests on a trot and the Hosts regained Ashes in Perth. As a result, when both teams reached Melbourne, the clouds of Whitewash were looming before the Visitors. Captain Smith won the toss in MCG and elected to bat on what looked like a batting paradise. Riding upon David Warner's 103, the Hosts ended up scoring 327 in their first innings. Apart from Warner, Captain Smith and Shaun Marsh too scored gritty half-centuries. Whereas for the English, Stuart Broad and James Anderson picked up 4 and 3 wickets respectively.
327 was a challenging total and it was necessary for the English Top-Order to perform. It was not going to be easy, but this is when Alastair Cook joined the party. It is interesting to note that he was not having a great series till then. However, this is when he played one of the greatest knocks ever seen in the MCG. Cook scored a staggering 244* of 409 deliveries. His innings comprised of 27 boundaries- He literally scored in each and every part of the ground. Yes. His catch was dropped on a couple of occasions; both by Steve Smith. However, he made full use of it and went on to demolish the Hosts. Due to his heroics the English ended up scoring 491 in their first innings.
The Aussies for the first time in this series were in a state of panic. As, a result they preferred to play for a draw than for a win. Captain Smith scored a solid 102* as the Hosts reached a total of 263/4. The Match was drawn. The Whitewash was avoided. However, this match will forever be remembered for the knock of Alastair Cook. Interestingly this was his fifth test hundred in Australia and with this he had a hundred in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.
An achievement which he should always remember and be proud of.
To watch the knock of Cook, Click Here.
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