5 great Ashes knocks which went in vain

#2 Bill Lawry - 135 at Kennington Oval (1968)

Lawry's resolute first-innings century kept England at bay for a considerable stretch of time

Unlike his spell-binding commentary which has captivated multiple generations of viewers, Bill Lawry's batting was as dour as they came. However, the left-hander's remorseless appetite for runs served him extremely well during a productive career in the 1960s. Most of his runs were invaluable as he kept menacing bowlers at bay on dicey pitches.

The fifth Test of the 1968 Ashes series on English soil evinced one such back to the wall knock from the southpaw. In response to the home team's massive total of 494, Lawry occupied the crease for more than seven hours and carved a marathon 401-ball 135. The Australian captain's sheer defiance even managed to exasperate potent bowlers such as John Snow and Derek Underwood.

After a spirited show by their bowlers, Australia's batting lineup unraveled at the eleventh hour when confronted with Underwood's wizardry on a crumbling track. Lawry and his men had entered Old Blighty with the sole ambition of winning the series. However, they had to remain content with retaining the Ashes urn as their defeat at The Oval allowed England to square the series.

Relive the thrilling finish of the 1968 Oval Test