Ashes to Ashes

August, 2009

First of all congratulations to the English side, in particular for keeping their self belief after being comprehensively beaten in the Fourth Test at Headingly. It was a tight series that ebbed and flowed throughout, but England took their chances when they came and a few key sessions of play proved the difference. 

Holding out for a draw in the First Test at Cardiff was critical as was the clinical win at Lords in the Second Test. However the real pivotal moment of the series for me was not the devastating throw by Flintoff to run out Ponting on the fourth day of the Fifth Test at the Oval but when English captain Andrew Strauss brought on Chris Broad to bowl after play had been delayed by rain in Australia’s first innings. 

Broad ripped through the Australian top order taking 5 for 37 in a spell of bowling that made full use of a dry and crumbling pitch. He was ably supported by his Nottinghamshire team mate off-spinner Graeme Swann who took 4 for 38. It proved to be an inspired move by the English skipper and emphasised that England has found the right man to lead their side, by example with his batting, his unflappable nature and clever use of the resources afforded him. 

It was a good all round team performance by England and it is exciting to see potentially not one but two allrounders coming to the fore, in the form of Broad and Swann, to help fill the void that will be left by Flintoff. Other encouraging signs were the improvement of Prior’s wicketkeeping during the series and his batting and the self assured debut of batsman Jonathan Trott with some lovely strokeplay. Except for some batting issues the future looks decidedly rosy for English Test cricket. 

The Australians on the other hand have found it difficult to bowl England out cheaply and their batting has crumbled at critical moments. A few brain fades, such as the Ponting run out, have also not helped but that is the pressure of Test cricket and as a young side they will learn a lot from the series. A win in the One Day Series starting shortly will be useful but not the same as winning the Ashes. 

As an Aussie living in Old Blighty I look forward to the weeks and months ahead as I interact with my English friends and colleagues. I am sure they are unlikely to bring up the fact that England won the Ashes. Hardly at all me thinks.