Cricket at Old Blighty: Top five matches played in Manchester across formats

Old Trafford stadium in Manchester is one of the oldest stadiums in England. It was opened in 1857 and became the second ground in England to host a Test match.

Old Trafford has witnessed some of the greatest moments in cricket history. In 1956, Jim Laker picked up all 10 wickets in a Test innings to finish the game with figures of 19 for 90 in the fourth Test against Australia. Also, Shane Warne bowled the “Ball of the Century” to Mike Gatting on this ground in 1993.

Sachin Tendulkar’s first Test hundred came on this ground in 1990. Old Trafford has hosted 78 Test matches, 46 One Day Internationals, and 6 Twenty20 matches over the years. It has a great cricketing history and produced some memorable games.

Without much ado, let’s take a look at the Top five matches played in Old Trafford, Manchester across formats.

#1 England vs Australia, Test Match, 2005

Brett Lee (L) and Glenn McGrath celebrate after holding on to draw against England

This is arguably one of the greatest test matches of all-time. England won the toss and elected to bat first in the third Ashes Test in 2005. England ended up with a score of 444 in their first innings and Michael Vaughan top-scored for the host with a stunning 166.

Australians were all out for 302 runs in their first innings and conceded a lead of 142 to England. England then declared their second innings at 280 for 6, setting a target of 423 runs for Australia.

Australia battled hard to save the Test match and finished with a fourth innings score of 371 for 9. Brett Lee and McGrath survived the last four overs to salvage a draw for Australia. This will definitely rank in the top as one of the best Ashes Test matches in history.

#2 India vs Pakistan, ODI, 1999

India beat Pakistan at Old Trafford in the 1999 World Cup

This is arguably the best ever ODI game played at the Old Trafford. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan went head to head in 1999 during the ICC World Cup. India won the toss and elected to bat first in front of a packed Old Trafford crowd.

India struggled for momentum throughout the innings and ended up with a score of 227 for 6 in 50 overs. Pakistan, however, lost early wickets in their chase and were dismissed for 180 in 45.3 overs.

Indian medium pacer, Venkatesh Prasad was the star of the show for India with figures of 9.3-2-27-5. Though India won the game, they failed to qualify for the semi-finals after finishing last in the super six.

#3 England vs Australia, Test Match, 1902

Victor Trumper, Australian opener in the 1902 Ashes

Another Ashes classic. This Test match happened way back in 1902. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. Australians were dismissed for 299 in their first innings.

England replied with a score of 262 in their first innings and conceded a lead of 37 runs to Australia. Australians then terribly collapsed in their second innings and were dismissed for 86 runs in 47.4 overs.

England needed a paltry 124 runs to win the Ashes Test. However, they collapsed from 92 for 3 to all out for 120. Australia won the game by three runs and took a 2-0 lead in the series. One of the most intriguing game Old Trafford has ever witnessed.

#4 England vs Australia, ODI, 2010

Tim Bresnan took England home is a close game

This was one of the nail-biting ODI games that happened between the Ashes rivals, Australia and England, in 2010. Put in to bat first, Australia was dismissed for a paltry 212. Only Shane Watson scored a respectable 61. James Anderson and Graeme Swann were brilliant with the ball for England with seven wickets between them.

Chasing a modest total, England went from a comfortable 185 for 3 to 203 for 9. They needed 10 runs in the last over with just one wicket in hand. Tim Bresnan held his nerves and took England home in the last over. This is easily one of the best ODI games played at the Old Trafford. England took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series after the win.

#5 England vs Australia, Test Match, 1956

England Vs Australia, Old Trafford, 1956

This Test match was one of England’s most famous wins in the Ashes history. England captain Peter May won the toss during the third test of the 1956 Ashes series and elected to bat first. Their top order batted well and they posted a score of 459 runs in their first innings.

Australia folded for only 84 in their first innings and conceded a first-innings lead of 375 runs. Only their opening batsmen reached double digits score in their first innings which lasted only 40 overs. Following on, they were dismissed for 205 runs in their second outing.

England won the game by an innings and 170 runs. This was one of the biggest wins for England in the history of the Ashes.