13 Jul 2009

England cricketers hold on for a draw

7:32 am on 13 July 2009

The England tailenders James Anderson and Monty Panesar denied Australia victory in the first Ashes cricket test with an unbeaten last-wicket stand on the last day in Cardiff.

Victory seemed assured for the Australians when Paul Collingwood was dismissed for 74 with England still needing six to make Australia bat again and a minimum 11.3 overs remaining.

However Anderson and Panesar held on for the draw which left the 16 thousand at Sophia Gardens in raptures and while happy, the England captain Andrew Strauss knows they were always playing catchup....

meanwhile the Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who was named man of the match for his 150, admits they're a little disappointed.

The second test starts on Thursday night.