The Ashes: 10 greatest Tests of all time

The Ashes series has been going on for years now, but there are some games that have been close to fans' hearts.

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2. Headingley, 1981

Headingley, 1981 the ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Headingley Ashes Test of 1981 is one of the greatest Tests of all time and the man who made England win it was the legendary Ian Botham. Australia looked destined to win the game after taking a huge lead of 227 runs in the first innings. Century from John Dyson and fifties from Kim Hughes and Graham Yallop helped them score 401/9 (declared) despite Botham's six-wicket haul.

In reply, England were all out for a paltry 174 with Botham's 50 being the best effort. Australia asked England to follow-on and Botham came up with one of the finest Test knocks of all time. The former England allrounder smashed an unbeaten 149 off just 148 balls to help the hosts recover from 135 for 7 and post 356 to set Australia a target of 130 runs.

Australia were still the favourites to chase down the modest target. Australia were 56 for 1 at one stage before Bob Willis' devastating spell had them reeling at 75 for 8. The tail wagged for a while before Willis returned to pick up the last two wickets and help England bowl out the tourists for 111 to register a famous 18-run win.

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