Ahead of the 2023 Ashes Test, we reflect on the greatest Ashes moments to have taken place at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
Last updated: 28/11/2022 at 10:00 am
With the Ashes set to return to UK grounds in 2023, fans are excitedly awaiting the latest clash between England and Australia.
Old Trafford has housed some of the greatest Ashes moments of all time, and we expect to see great things unfold at the grounds in 2023.
As such a legendary venue steeped in iconic cricket and Ashes history, we are taking you through the top 5 Ashes moments at Old Trafford from 1956 to the present day. Keep reading to find out more!
Denis Compton’s Comeback, 1948, Old Trafford
After clocking a Lindwall bouncer on the head, Dennis Compton had to be aided as he left the field with a nasty, bloody knock to his forehead.
Despite this, he was stitched up after a brief practice in the nets of Old Trafford. Compton came back to hit a masterful and undefeated 145 in front of an inspired crowd.
Jim Laker’s One-Man Show, 1956, Old Trafford
In the Third Test of the 1956 Ashes, with the series level at 1-1, Old Trafford witnessed a feat in cricket never to have been replicated in the history of the game.
Right-arm spinner Jim Laker would become England’s not-so-secret weapon. In the first innings, Laker took 9 wickets, much to the amazement of the crowd, but little did they know that he would go one better in the next innings.
Laker claimed all 10 wickets, leaving him with a remarkable 19 wickets in the match.
The Ball Of The Century, 1993, Old Trafford
Australia captain Shane Warne's first ball in the 1993 Ashes was one that made history.
With England's imperious Mike Gatting at the wicket, Warne ripped a leg spinner sideways as the ball pitched outside leg and toppled Gatting's off-bail.
As Warne ran off in celebration, Gatting had to check with the umpire that he had actually been bowled. Warne is now forever known for delivering ‘the ball of the century'.
The Ashes Third Test, 2005, Old Trafford
With the 2005 series locked at 1-1, Old Trafford played host to the Third test. Michael Vaughan batted first and scored a fantastic 166 to give England a first innings total of 444.
Shane Warne went on to hit 90 and the Aussies posted 302, leaving England with the advantage. A century scored from Andrew Strauss extended England’s lead, declaring on 280/6 meaning that Australia needed 423 to win.
On day 5 of the test match in front of a capacity 23,000 crowd and an extra 20,000 locked outside the stadium - Australia started to build a healthy total but fell to 264/7.
With Ponting gone for 156, Australia fell to 354/9 with four overs remaining. In a nail-biting finish, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath managed to keep their wicket and grab an unlikely draw from the edge of defeat.
The third test match of the 2005 Ashes will go down as the greatest that Manchester has ever seen.
How can I get Ashes 2023 tickets?
Official hospitality packages and premium tickets for The Ashes fixtures at Emirates Old Trafford are on sale now at Seat Unique.
Secure the best seats in the house and watch each England v Australia Test match from unrivalled views, while enjoying all that cricket hospitality has to offer.
Buy Ashes hospitality & premium tickets at Old Trafford
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