England claims remarkable 19 run victory

By Vic Mills

LONDON (JP): England brought a measure of self-respect to its Ashes campaign with a remarkable 19 run victory late on the third day of the sixth Test at The Foster's Oval on Saturday.

Australia duly retained the Ashes having won the series 3-2, but it was the home side who thrilled a capacity crowd on an extraordinary day of Test cricket in which 17 wickets fell for 215 runs.

The day began with news that Australia's first innings total had been increased to 220, and its lead to 40, following confirmation from television footage that a Greg Blewett four off Philip Tufnell the previous day had actually gone for six.

There was more work for the scorers when Nasser Hussain (2) top edged the third ball of the morning from Shane Warne to Matthew Elliott at backward point.

The avalanche of wickets for the leg spinner failed to materialize, however, as a groin strain collected late Friday hampered both his delivery and follow through.

With Glenn McGrath below his best, Graham Thorpe and Mark Ramprakash took every opportunity to bat England back into contention. The fifty partnership came on the stroke of noon with Thorpe's own fifty arriving shortly after.

In need of a wicket, Mark Taylor turned to Michael Kasprowicz. An obliging fellow, the burly Queenslander dismissed Thorpe (62) and Adam Hollioake (4) in quick succession to leave England 145 for six at lunch.

England quickly folded to 163 all out once Warne had had Ramprakash (48) stumped. Kasprowicz mopped up the tail with three wickets in five balls to finish with career best figures of seven for 36 in 15.5 overs.

With just 123 to defend, England needed an early break. Malcolm supplied it, trapping Elliott (4) leg before at the fourth ball of Australia's second innings. The runs continued to flow, however, and Atherton was forced to bring both Caddick and Tufnell into the attack.

The changes paid immediate dividends as three wickets fell for 14 runs. Caddick trapped Taylor (18) leg before and then had Greg Blewett (19) caught behind. With Tufnell producing another gem to dismiss Mark Waugh (1), Australia had stumbled from 36 for one to 50 for four at tea.

There was no hiding place for the Australians after the interval as Steve Waugh (6) and Ian Healy (14) fell to Caddick's disciplined line and length, while Tufnell cast his a spell over Ricky Ponting (20) and Shane Warne (3). At 95 for eight, Australia was staring down the barrel.

Simple catch

The tourists inability to chase the modest fourth innings totals came back to haunt them as Caddick snared Kasprowicz (3) and Tufnell enticed McGrath (1) to push a simple catch to Thorpe at mid off. England was home by just 19 runs with Caddick (five for 42) and Tufnell (4 for 27) the heroes of the hour.

With 11 for 93 on his return to Test cricket, Philip Tufnell was named man of the match. Glenn McGrath and Graham Thorpe were the respective men of the series.

At a post-match press conference, England captain Mike Atherton refused to be drawn on his future at the helm despite the team's magnificent victory.

"I've said all along that I will take time out to make my decision and that remains the case," Atherton insisted.

"It was a really good game, really exciting for everyone," he added. "The wicket was never easy to bat on and I always felt it would be low scoring."

Looking back over the series he said: "We missed our opportunities at old Trafford and a little at Headingley."

The Australian captain Mark Taylor rued his team's first innings collapse as he reflected on England's dramatic win.

"We missed our opportunity on day two. We should have made 300 and if we had done I think we would've taken the game comfortably," he said.

"Phil Tufnell bowled very well, the best I've seen him," Taylor continued.

On his own future he concluded: "I've been pleased with the way I've hit the ball and if I hit it well I may continue."