Haddin reflects on 'painful' Cardiff Test

For five members of Australia's Ashes squad, Cardiff holds particularly painful memories.

It was in the Welsh capital six years ago tomorrow (Wed) that Australia were, according to former skipper Ricky Ponting, one wicket away from completing "the perfect game" and taking a 1-0 lead in the 2009 series.

Instead, a famous last-wicket stand from England's Jimmy Anderson and Monty Panesar amid allegations of time-wasting helped the home side secure a draw that sent them on the course to regaining the Ashes.

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Anderson and Panesar celebrate in Cardiff six years ago // Getty

"It was a painful Test match," wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said this week, just days out from the resumption of Ashes hostilities at The SWALEC Stadium, formerly known as Sophia Gardens.

"We thought we got ourselves into a position that we deserved that win, but as you see in Ashes campaigns – they're never over.

"It's different cricket and it brings out a lot of different emotions, and some odd batting talent that I didn't think Monty Panesar had."

Haddin was one of four Australian centurions in their only innings of that match as they overcame losing the toss and England's sizeable first-innings total of 435 to be just eight wickets from a crushing victory at the start of the final day.

But a defiant innings from Paul Collingwood and an unbeaten stand from England's last pair – who defied Australia for 40 minutes and 69 balls – allowed the hosts to hold on for a draw.

The hosts' 12th man and physiotherapist made a couple of trips to the middle during that thrilling finish, much to the chagrin of Ponting.

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Ponting exchanges words with sub fielder Bilal Shafayat // Getty

"It was pretty ordinary," Ponting said of the time-wasting tactics after the match, though England skipper Andrew Strauss rejected the charge of gamesmanship at the time.

But Anderson confirmed on Monday there was a determined go-slow from the tailenders and he was relishing the chance to bring Test cricket back to Wales.

"It was very good to get out of that game with a draw," Anderson said. "I remember there was very little expectation on myself and Monty and we just tried to do as best we could by wasting time and using all the tactics we could to escape.

"We have Ashes experience here and quite fond memories as well, so I don't think it matters too much.

"We'll have great support here, as we did in 2009."

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Allrounder Shane Watson, who didn't play in the 2009 Test but was part of the touring party, suggested the gutting defeat sapped his side's momentum leading into the second Test in London, where England enjoyed their first Lord's victory over Australia since 1934 on their way to a 2-1 series win.

"No doubt it dampens your spirits," Watson said.

"That's something we are certainly much better at now, closing out Test matches, especially when it gets close."

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