September 12, 2005, is undeniably an indelible date in cricket history. Although, Australians may disagree as it was the fateful day their long-suffering arch-nemesis England finally ended a 16-year Ashes drought. Australia was thwarted by Kevin Pietersen's memorable cavalier debut century on the final day at the Oval to ensure the fifth Test ended in a draw and a 2-1 series victory for England in a major boil over.
FAST AND FURIOUS
The Wild thing - born to bowl fast
It was a sight to behold when a trademark Shaun Tait in-swinging delivery sent Geraint Jones's off-stump cartwheeling © Getty
However, that result was not a foregone conclusion earlier in the day with a swirling belief that Australia - who were at their peak of their powers and hadn't lost a Test series in four years - could conjure a miraculous victory like they had summoned so many times before. Almost inevitably, legendary bowlers Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne - playing their last ever Test in England - had a slew of early wickets to give Australia hope.
With the Ashes - and legacies - hanging in the balance, Australian captain Ricky Ponting leant heavily on his two prized bowlers and paceman Brett Lee for the breakthroughs in what was essentially a three-pronged attack.
Neglected and seemingly forgotten was
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