Boxing Day Test Memorable Moments #12 – Headley’s heroics

In the lead in to the 2012 Boxing Day Test, Cricket Victoria is counting down the 20 most memorable moments from the MCG.

Named one of the seven wonders of the sporting world in 2009, the ‘G plays hosts to Victoria’s international schedule each year and the Boxing Day Test is the jewel in the international calendar.

For further information on this year’s international fixtures at the ‘G, click here.

Australia was cruising to victory in the 1998 Ashes Test before English seamer Dean Headley turned in a career-best performance.

Headley, who played just 15 Tests, picked up 6-60 as Australia, who were in pursuit of 175, crashed from 3-130 to 162 to hand England a famous victory.

Rain forced the first day to be abandoned without a ball being bowled but that didn’t stop 61,680 Victorians from still turning out.  

When play finally started England were knocked over for 270, despite resistance from captain Alec Stewart (107) and Mark Ramprakash (63).

An unbeaten century from Steve Waugh (122*) as well as starts from the rest of the Australian middle order, gave the home side a first-innings lead of 70.

That lead looked plenty when the tourists crashed to 5-127 early on but half-centuries from Stewart (52), Nasser Hussain (50) and Greame Hick (60) set Australia a fourth-innings target of 175.

An aggressive mindset from the top-order saw Australia reach 3-130 inside 34 overs, but Headley’s wicket of Mark Waugh (43) proved the turning point.

The home side lost three wickets for no runs – all to Headley – as the middle order crumbled.

Steve Waugh appeared to be steering Australia to victory when he guided the side to within 14 of the target but he watched on in horror from the non-strikers end as Headley and Darren Gough picked up the final three wickets in five deliveries.

Headley finished his 15 Test career with 60 wickets at an average of 27.85.

Watch Headley’s wickets at http://cricvi.co/Xw8iAq

Will you be there at the 2012 Boxing Day Test to see this year’s moment?

Book your tickets at http://cricvi.co/QdOzBY

#13 – Reid destroys England http://cricvi.co/SBxEbg
#14 – Warne’s arrival http://cricvi.co/11N5Gyj
#15 – Ponting at his finest http://cricvi.co/11uTQbK
#16 – Yallop’s marathon http://cricvi.co/VeU14C
#17 – South Africa’s finest win http://cricvi.co/TweTVo
#18 – Dodemaide’s debut http://cricvi.co/V7XvrR
#19 – Tendulkar masterclass http://cricvi.co/QoLCPe
#20 – Pattinson and Siddle lead the attack http://cricvi.co/V9SUc9