The Ashes are finally back to entertain and thrill the crowds World Over. Cricket’s oldest rivalry always has something new to offer every time the English and the Australians face each other on the Cricket field. Right since the first ever test match in 1877 to the whitewash series down under in 2006-07, every contest between the two great cricketing nations has been amazing. The Ashes have produced some of the greatest cricketing moments the world would ever see.
The Ashes 2009 are being played in England. Australia come into it without any of the contemporary greats Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden, and Justin Langer. A young side has been named to play and defend the urn and it is led by Ricky Ponting. England on the other hand may take some confidence out of Australia’s fortunes. They have a strong side and well led by Andrew Strauss. The First test at Cardiff was a humdinger. England held on for a draw and it would give them a lot of confidence. The second test is already underway at the Mecca of Cricket, Lords. England have scored 425 in their first innings with skipper Andrew Strauss leading the way with 161. The rate at which England have scored takes me back to the 2005 Ashes held in England. After loosing the first test, England came out rejuvenated in the second test. They played cricket the Aussie way by scoring at more than 4 runs an over. This was also seen at Lords when England 425 in 101 overs, which is more that 4 an over. England now have to bowl extremely well, the way they did the last time around. Specific tactics against some batsmen worked wonders for them the last time, for example bowling around the wicket to Adam Gilchrist, the use of reverse swing etc. As I write Australia 5 down for 114. Looks like the English have a plan this time. The cricinfo.com text commentary for Michael Clarke’s dismissal tells me that it looked planned.
As a fan of test cricket it would be nice to see Australia fighting back and this turning out to be a great test match. I think the Ashes and India V. Pakistan contests can help revive test cricket in a age where T20 looks to steal the show.
I would be posting as the match continues.
