2006-07 Ashes Series Preview
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by user Alex Holowczak
Starting on November 23rd, The Ashes will feature England and Australia over five matches in Australia.
Australia had won all series against England since 1989 until last year, when England won 3-1 on home soil. That series was considered by many to be the greatest series of cricket matches of all time.
The games are normal Test Matches, scheduled to last five days each. If the match isn't finished in time, it is a draw. That is always a possibility, and is just one of the strange things cricket has to add to its appeal. Plain white clothes is another, and it is probably the only game in the world with formal breaks for drinks, lunch and tea.
Think the Bears and the Packers. The Raiders and the Chiefs. The Red Sox and the Yankees. The Avalanche and the Red Wings. None of these rivalries are nearly as fierce as that of England v Australia that began at the MCG in 1877, in the first ever Test Match. England always beat Australia, until one time when they lost for the first time (in a game they should have won). Two Melbourne ladies burnt the bails used in the game and placed them in an urn. They then presented England with "The Ashes of English Cricket" after the unexpected loss. The Ashes are now kept in the MCC at Lord's in England. And so the rivalry began!
But forget the fights, and the utter detestal of everyone. On the field, the players get on well, and the friendly appeal to the game is maintained. Compared to any kind of football you like, the players are remarkably well mannered. You could even see a batsman give himself out, rather than let the umpire decide for him. There is great banter in a series, and a bit of "wordplay", but it is all done in a friendly way. It makes the sport very appealing.
There have been many great games through time. Australia once got 404/2 on the last day to beat England at Headingley - at the time the highest score in the fourth innings ever to win a Test Match.
In 1981, England tralied 1-0 to Australia, and were losing in many others, but all-rounder Ian Botham was the hero, as he inspired England to a series win, in often completely unbelievable circumstances. In the Headingley Test, England had odds of 500-1 to win the game. Botham then led England to win after following-on (the kiss of death almost - only two other Tests have been won from following-on in over 1800 Test Matches!).
England won in 2005, but now Australia want revenge.
In the run up to this series, England has had a lot of problems through injuries. Talismanic opening batsman Marcus Trescothick has suffered from stress and has left the tour. With an average of 45 as a batsman (i.e. he scores on average 45 runs per innings before getting out) he will be missed. Captain Michael Vaughan (also averaging around 45) is still injured, but may return in time for the Christmas time matches. Ian Bell, a flop in the 2005 series, had seriously improved since, and suffered a bruising in practice today, making him a doubt. Andrew Flintoff, a match winning all-rounder (a bowler and a batsman all in one) will captain England - he was the hero last year. England also have bowling troubles, with Simon Jones, brilliant in England last year, injured, and Ashley Giles just returning.
England have however found a couple of players in the injury crises. Andrew Strauss has proved a great and reliable opening batsman, and Alistair Cook has become a rock for England at Number 3. Monty Panesar as become a "cult-hero" as a bowler, becoming England's Number 1 spinner. Chris Read has taken over the wicket-keeping role (baseball equvalent of catcher) from Geraint Jones, and is likely to be an improvement in that department.
Australia have no injury worries, and are under pressure to regain the Ashes. Their side is getting old, but has a wealth of experience, and they will start as very strong favourites to win the Ashes back.
My Ashes Sides
England:
- Andrew Strauss
- Aliaster Cook
- Ian Bell
- Kevin Pietersen
- Paul Collingwood
- Andrew Flintoff (c)
- Chris Read (w)
- Sajid Mahmood
- Matthew Hoggard
- Steve Harmison
- Monty Panesar
Australia:
- Matthew Hayden
- Justin Langer
- Ricky Ponting (c)
- Damien Martyn
- Michael Hussey
- Adam Gilchrist (w)
- Shane Watson
- Shane Warne
- Brett Lee
- Stuart Clark
- Glenn McGrath
Australia should win this series, but anything can happen. Australia have the stars, but England has the depth. Australia has the form, but England has the grit. It will be interesting to see if England can retain the Ashes.
The First Test starts in Brisbane, on November 23 at 12am British Time. The cricket will end as I leave for school at 7am ish. I am looking forward to it, and it will be a great series - hopefully something that comes close to 2005.
And since your experience of Aussies is not a great one, I'm sure you'll all be rooting for England too!
