Opinion
The good news announced that the Ashes are going ahead got me thinking about some of the best dismissals over the past ten years.
This is the second part of this series, the top five. You can read my bottom five choices here.
5. Mitchell Johnson to Alastair Cook
2013-14 Ashes, second Test at Adelaide Oval
The carnage that Mitchell Johnson exacted on England at Adelaide Oval began on the evening of Day 2. The thunderbolt that dismissed Alastair Cook was unplayable. The ball hinted that it was going to swing in, but then it seamed away, crashing into Cook’s off stump at 148.4 kilometres an hour.
4. Josh Hazlewood to Jos Butler
2019 Ashes, fourth Test at Old Trafford
England was putting in a strong rearguard defence led by Jos Butler, who instinctively is an aggressive batsman. He was on 34 runs off 110 balls. But his staunch defence ended up being his downfall. Josh Hazlewood got one to reverse, and Butler shouldered arms as it crashed into his off stump.
3. James Anderson to Michael Clarke
2013 Ashes, first Test at Trent Bridge
James Anderson dismissed Michael Clarke nine times during their encounters. On this occasion it was one of his best. The ball pitched on middle, which drew Michael Clarke into the shot. The ball then left him fractionally beating his bat and clipping the top of off stump. Michael Clarke had to walk off with a zero next to his name.
2. Patrick Cummins to Joe Root
2019 Ashes fourth Test at Old Trafford
A brilliant innings by Steve Smith and a quick cameo by captain Tim Paine set up a bold declaration with light closing in. The ball was in the hands of the right man, Patrick Cummins. First he removed Rory Burns, caught off a leading edge. Captain Joe Root then strode out to face the music. It was the worst delivery to receive first up. Beating the bat, it cannoned into off stump. The breakthrough sent the Aussies into raptures.
1. Ryan Harris to Alastair Cook
2013-14 Ashes, third Test at the WACA
Australia had battered England, capped off by George Bailey hitting Anderson for 28 runs of an over. Australia declared. Ryan Harris had the ball in his hand. The very first ball of the innings seamed away and beat Alastair Cook all ends up. It clipped the off bail. It was the perfect delivery.
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