Australia was also leading 2-1 heading into The Oval four years ago, but their celebrations before the game may have cost them the match, as England came back to tie the series with a victory in south London.
Australia’s all-rounder Cameron Green said his team “got out of jail” after securing the Ashes with a draw at Old Trafford. The fourth Test was played at Manchester, where England established a commanding 275-run first-innings lead. However, Australia held on for a draw despite only being able to bat for 30 overs on the final two days due to rain. With a 2-1 lead and with this week’s fifth Test at The Oval remaining, Australia maintained the Ashes. Green, one of Australia’s not-out batsmen, told the cricket.com.au website, “I think we definitely got away with one there.”
There’s no use in trying to ignore it. Cricket is a strange sport, and even though we were falling behind, England was able to pull away and win. We most assuredly escaped from prison.
We didn’t play our best game,” the big 24-year-old said. Over the past few days, the rain gods have been on our side. It’s something you have to take and then move on from.
With fellow all-rounder Mitchell Marsh performing well and Australia considering recalling spinner Todd Murphy, Green’s spot at The Oval is in jeopardy.
Green, however, is confident that Australia will be 100 percent committed to earning their first Ashes series victory in England in 22 years, regardless of whether he plays a role in that or not.
Australia was also leading 2-1 heading into The Oval four years ago, but their celebrations before the game may have cost them the match, as England came back to tie the series with a victory in south London.
It’s a little different this time around,” Green said, “than the last time they were here when they won here (at Old Trafford) to keep the Ashes.
Several men probably still feel the effects of the last encounter. We’ll maintain our composure and focus on the next match.
