England recorded a thrilling two-run victory over Australia in the second Ashes Test at Birmingham on Sunday. The partnership of 59 runs for the tenth wicket betwen Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz almost took Australia home. Well, almost....
- Aus vs Eng, 2nd Test: Match report | Scorecard | Images
The result was the tightest ever by runs margin in the history of the Ashes. The last time England came from behind to level an Ashes series was in 1981, with the Ian Botham-inspired victory at Leeds, and they went on to win 3-1.
In all Test matches, only one match has been decided by narrower margin than this Birmingham Test. The Adelaide Test between Australia and West Indies in 1992-93 was decided by the narrowest possible margin of one run. Interestingly on that occasion too, Australia were at the receiving end.
The following table lists the 10 narrowest wins by runs margin in Test cricket. It will be observed that Australia are involved in nine of them - one way or the other.
| Margin | Winner | Loser | Venue | Series | Test |
| 1 run | WI | Aus | Adelaide | 1992-93 | 4th |
| 2 runs | Eng | Aus | Birmingham | 2005 | 2nd |
| 3 runs | Aus | Eng | Manchester | 1902 | 4th |
| 3 runs | Eng | Aus | Melbourne | 1982-83 | 4th |
| 5 runs | SA | Aus | Sydney | 1993-94 | 2nd |
| 6 runs | Aus | Eng | Sydney | 1884-85 | 3rd |
| 7 runs | Aus | Eng | The Oval | 1882 | 1st |
| 7 runs | SA | SL | Kandy | 2000-01 | 2nd |
| 10 runs | Eng | Aus | Sydney | 1894-95 | 1st |
| 11 runs | Aus | Eng | Adelaide | 1924-25 | 3rd |
