December 30, 1982
Australia regained the Ashes with a draw in the Fifth Test, but the Test before at the MCG provided all the excitement with a three-run win to England.
Rod Marsh took his 27th catch for the series in this Test, breaking the record held by JHB Waited in 1961-62. This was the 250th Test played between England and Australia and the 75th at the MCG, and the first played in front of the new electronic scoreboard.
But the real excitement was in the last wicket stand between Allan Border and Jeff Thomson. They came together at 9/218, needing 74 runs to win.
Incredibly, batting overnight, they needed 37 on the fifth morning - and only lost after when Thommo edged Ian Botham to Chris Tavare, who fumbled leaving Geoff Miller to dive and take the catch. A loss, but a win for cricket - and Australia also won the series.Back to top