Anderson and Swann with Alastair Cook (Source: @englandcricket/x.com)
Fans love double treats, and cricket has mastered the art of delivering jaw-dropping twin delights that leave the world stunned. Across the formats, from red-ball patience to white-ball thrills, double delights have captivated fans' hearts, but the historic Ashes holds some special memories for it.
From the very first Ashes battle, England vs Australia has served up spine-chilling red-ball drama every time these giants collide. But the Adelaide Test of the Ashes 2010-11 witnessed a twin destruction of James Anderson and Graeme Swann tore apart Australia.
The lethal spin-pace duo humbled the mighty Aussies on their own turf, turning home dominance into disbelief. Let’s relive the dominance in the Aussie backyard.
Anderson’s 'Pace-ified' burst sets the tone early
Whenever the Ashes take the center stage, the thrills soar extra high as the fans enjoy the marathon five days of red-ball thrills. Since the first day to the latest match, thrills have just grown bigger, better, and crazier. Among the many iconic chapters, the 2010-11 Ashes stood out as a showcase of sheer English dominance that stunned the cricketing world.
After the first match ended in a draw, the rivals united in Adelaide in the second Test match, and Australia eyed a dominating start. But England struck first as James Anderson ripped out Ricky Ponting in the very first over, instantly flipping the script and sending shockwaves through the crowd.
The early strike sent shockwaves, but James Anderson wasn’t done; he struck again in the third over to dismiss Michael Clarke for just two. Even after consecutive blows, Shane Watson was keeping the hope alive, but Anderson removed him in 51 runs. Losing four wickets in 96 runs, Australia was reeling, and Anderson was yet to be done.
As England’s bowlers tightened the noose, James Anderson delivered the final blow by dismissing Peter Siddle for a painstaking 3 off 21 balls. With sheer brilliance, Anderson conceded just 51 runs in 19 overs and secured an outstanding four-wicket haul with an economy rate of 2.68.
Swann weaves a magical spin web with a stunning fifer
After the first innings' destruction, Australia returned to bat in the second innings, but the struggle remained even harder. Shane Watson and Simon Katich offered early hope, but Graeme Swann shattered it by removing Katich for 43 and tightening his grip. Adding more pressure on the Aussies, he sent back Ricky Ponting in nine runs.
Australia was looking for a revival as Swann’s excellence was giving them nightmares. Coming back to attack in the 92nd over, he removed Marcus North for 22 runs. Reeling at 286/8, England needed just two wickets to register a massive victory, and Swann delivered absolute brilliance.
Dominating the Aussie side, he dismissed Xavier Doherty and Peter Siddle and marked a magical fifer. Grinding Australia into submission, he conceded just 91 runs in 42 overs at a miserly economy of 2.21. With that absolute dominance, England registered a massive victory of an innings and 71 runs.
Adelaide witnessed cricket carnage as Anderson and Swann tore through Australia with ruthless precision. After Anderson troubled the Aussies with unreal pace, Swann spun spin web in the second innings to deepen Australia’s woes. Ashes have seen many masterclasses, but the twin dominance is still fresh in fans’ memories.
