The Ashes 1994/95 (Part One)

Nov 23, 2021

The Ashes 1994/95 (Part One) Image

The 1990s were a period of dominance for Australian cricket, while their English counterparts were left in the doldrums. And little changed during the five Test matches on England's 1994/95 tour of Australia.

The tone for much of what was to come was set in the First Test which was played at the Gabba, in Brisbane.

Australia won the toss and batted, and opener Michael Slater put an immediate marker down, scoring 176, and Mark Waugh 140. Australia reached 426.

Captain Michael Atherton made 54 in England’s reply, but lacked support, and England were bowled out for just 167, Craig McDermott taking 6-53. 

Australia chose not to enforce the follow on. Captain Mark Taylor top scored as they declared on 248/8. 

England were set 508. Although Graeme Hick made 80, Graham Thorpe 67 and Graham Gooch 56, they were all out for 323, Shane Warne taking Player of the Match with 8-71.

Australia had won by 184 runs.

Nor did England fortunes improved in the Boxing Day Test, at the MCG in Melbourne.

England began well after winning the toss and choosing to bowl. At one stage, Australia were 100/4, but 71 from Mark Waugh and an unbeaten 94 from his brother helped Australia recover to 279. 

Warne, nemesis of England, then struck with the ball, taking 6-64 as they were bowled out for only 212 in their first innings, despite 51 from Thorpe.

When Australia batted again, David Boon came to the fore, making 131, as they were able to declare on 320/7.

England got nowhere near the 388 they needed. They were skittled out for just 92, in less than 43 overs, with the last six wickets falling for the addition of just 11 runs. McDermott took 5-42 and Warne 3-16.

Australia had won by 296 runs extending their lead In the series.