Anderson, Panesar, Collingwood and North watch back epic Ashes finish on Sky Sports Cricket on Sunday
Sunday 14 June 2020 16:55, UK
It was never in doubt…
Back in 2009, Monty Panesar and James Anderson's heroic last-wicket stand in Cardiff salvaged an unlikely draw for England in the opening Ashes Test - something the duo will reflect on during a watchalong of the closing stages from 5pm on Sunday on Sky Sports Cricket.
Anderson and Panesar will be joined by Paul Collingwood - who scored a gritty and crucial half-century on the final day - as well as Australia's Marcus North, who had hit a superb unbeaten 125 earlier in the game.
Our line-up will be completed by Sky Sports Cricket experts Nasser Hussain and David Lloyd with Ian Ward on presenting duties as our guests share their memories and insights from a thrilling encounter in Wales.
When Collingwood's 245-ball vigil ended with around 50 minutes left on the final day, England were 233-9 and still six runs behind.
But Anderson (21no off 53) and Panesar (7no off 35) saw off the next 69 balls to thwart Australia and pull off quite the heist for Andrew Strauss' men at the start of a series they went on to win 2-1 to regain the urn.
When Anderson squirted away a boundary to take England into the lead, the crowd erupted, knowing that with Australia needing to bat again to win, the tourists had lost precious time due to the required change of ends.
As it turned out, it never got that far, with Panesar and Anderson blocking out Australia spinners North and Nathan Hauritz before the sides shook hands - England elated, Australia distraught and the series remaining all square heading to Lord's for the second Test.
Watch day five in full from 10am on Sunday on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix. When the watchalong begins on Sky Sports Cricket at 5pm, uninterrupted coverage will remain on Sky Sports Mix.
