Ashes 2015: Stuart Broad enters record books, emulates Ernie Toshack
Ashes 2015: Stuart Broad enters record books, emulates Ernie Toshack
The fourth Test of Ashes 2015 at Trent Bridge started in sensational fashion after Alastair Cook put the Australians in on a seaming track. James Anderson’s absence meant that Stuart Broad had to rise to the occasion, which he did, scything through the Australian top-order. The tourists were reduced to 29 for 6 (33 for 7) as I write this in 6.1 overs, Broad taking 5 for 6. Mark Wood removed David Warner at the other end, and he was brought on, Steven Finn reciprocated by clean bowling Peter Nevill. It was a spectacular effort by Broad, supported ably by his teammates: Anderson was not missed as only Michael Clarke managed to reach double-figures. LIVE BLOG: England vs Australia, The Ashes 2015, 4th Test at Trent Bridge, Day 1
The hero of the innings was, of course, Broad, who claimed 5 wickets in 19 balls. In the process he emulated the feat of Ernie Toshack, who had done the same on a ‘sticky’ at The Gabba against India in 1947-48. From 53 for 5 India were skittled out for 58.
Quickest to 5 wickets in an innings
| Balls | Bowler | Team | Against | Venue | Year | Final figures | |
| 19 | Ernie Toshack | Australia | India | The Gabba | 1947 | 2.3-1-2-5 | (8-ball overs) |
| 19 | Stuart Broad | England | Australia | Trent Bridge | 2015 | ||
| 21 | Shane Watson | Australia | South Africa | Newlands | 2011 | 5-2-17-5 | |
| 23 | Hugh Trumble | Australia | England | MCG | 1904 | 6.5-0-28-7 | (8-ball overs) |
| 25 | Vernon Philander | South Africa | New Zealand | Newlands | 2013 | 6-3-7-5 |
As per researches by Charlie Davis, both Monty Noble (against England, MCG 1901) and Jim Laker (against Australia, Old Trafford 1956) had both taken five wickets in 13-ball spells. However, they were not the first 13 balls of their spells. READ: Alastair Cook set to become 1st England cricketer with 50 Test wins