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Ashes 2021/22 first Test: Australia take series lead after clinical day four performance

Andrew Wu
Updated ,first published
Pinned post from 2.29pm on Dec 11, 2021
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Good bye

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That’s all from me today from our live coverage.

Make sure you stick around for all the news and analysis from our team.

We’ll be back on Thursday for the second Test from Adelaide.

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Video: The winning moment

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Power failure pulled plug on Ashes broadcast

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A “catastrophic power failure” at the Gabba pulled the plug on global broadcast coverage of the first Ashes Test for about 25 minutes on the fourth morning, raising questions about the conditions under which the match was staged.

All power in the TV compound outside the ground was cut, including to the backup generators that would normally step up in the event of an outage. Commentating on Seven, Alison Mitchell explained the issues to viewers as a “catastrophic power failure”.

Coverage of the Gabba Test reverted to one camera behind the wicket.Getty Images

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Vote: What happens from here?

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Australia ease to victory after horror England collapse

By Phil Lutton

Australia has powered its way to a nine-wicket win over England to take a 1-0 lead in the Ashes series after a resounding day four performance at the Gabba.

Chasing just 20 for victory after England collapsed badly, losing 8-77, Australia strolled past the total after lunch to ensure they have a Test in the bank ahead of pink ball duties in Adelaide.

After England stood tall on day three, it was a hugely disappointing day for the tourists, who surrendered their overnight momentum with slim resistance before their batting order crumbled.

Marcus Harris of Australia and Marnus Labuschagne celebrate Australia’s nine-wicket win.Getty

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Video: Finally the moment for Lyon

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Pinned post from 2.29pm on Dec 11, 2021

Good bye

By

That’s all from me today from our live coverage.

Make sure you stick around for all the news and analysis from our team.

We’ll be back on Thursday for the second Test from Adelaide.

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Analysis

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It was not quite the complete performance by Australia but in some ways they would have preferred winning the game in this fashion than by a cakewalk.

There is plenty to take away for the home side. Nathan Lyon’s long wait to claim his 400th Test wicket is over, Alex Carey was rock solid behind the stumps, and one of their next generation, Travis Head, made a big century, which could be a breakthrough knock for the left-hander.

Pat Cummins had a dream first day in the office and though things did not go according to plan for him yesterday he was able to regroup after a trying day and respond with authority.

His form did not suffer, his five wickets on the first day setting up the game for his team.

You could sense the weight go off Lyon’s shoulders after he finally broke through for his milestone wicket. The veteran spinner bowled with a lot more confidence after that, collecting a further three scalps.

Player of the match

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No surprises for who the player of the match is.

Travis Head gets the gong for his first Ashes century - a dominant knock of 152 off 148 balls, which took the game away from England.

All over

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I take that back about nothing to gain for Marcus Harris. The opener’s hit the winning runs - something Glenn McGrath was not able to do in his fabled Test career.

Australia win emphatically by nine wickets to go 1-0 up in the five-match series, and give Pat Cummins the dream start to his captaincy career.

The door was ajar for England this morning, but it was slammed shut by the Australians, who were clinical on the fourth day.

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WICKET

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Alex Carey’s gone - caught behind for nine. That will take a little bit of enjoyment out of his first celebratory beer.

Ollie Robinson’s got that close enough to off stump to draw Carey into a nibble. Perhaps he didn’t need to play at that.

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