It's too early to say that the Ashes was the most exhilarating series we witnessed in 2019. But it would take some beating if a series manages to evoke as much attraction and hooks viewers to their television sets in this World Test Championship. As the series comes to an end with Australia retaining the Ashes and England levelling the series, we take a look at some fun moments and talking points from the series.
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No, this isn't a UK telephone number. It's Warner's Ashes 2019 scores written down in a straight line with no commas. In 10 innings, the Australian opener managed only 12 digits combined with just one of the nine innings going past the double-digit mark. Making a mockery of the Australian was Stuart Broad who dismissed him a whopping seven times in the series. Guess Glenn McGrath isn't the only Ashes bowler who could pinpoint his bunny before a series began.
The ugly, the beast and the dupe
The best batsman in the world against the raw pace of a newbie seamer became the toast of the series this year and perhaps, even the turning point. When Smith was struck down by an Archer lifter, few expected him to not roar back and score a double hundred. It was almost inevitable, a historic occurrence that was waiting to happen. With 774 runs in the series and a ball that struck him down from Archer, Smith had an unforgettable series. The battle with Archer will perhaps go down as one of the most exciting phases of play in Ashes history.
If Smith's concussion episode seemed like the ideal chance for England to edge ahead, Marnus Labuschagne, the concussion substitute made the hope futile by emulating Smith with his extraordinary diligence. After two Tests, it seemed unfathomable that substitute Labuschagne would be dropped.
Things only England all-rounders can do
We know about Botham's Ashes and Ben Stokes nearly made this Ashes his own with a stupendous display at Headingley. Single-handedly taking his team to a difficult win on day five of an Ashes Test with only the tail supporting, Stokes gave England a sniff at a time they had zero hopes. If his partnership with Jack Leach does not find a place in somebody's top 10 Ashes moments ever, we'd all be surprised.
The spectacle
Yes, the Ashes was a spectacle but the word was used in its plural form more often, thanks to the England tail-ender.
If one object made this series an act to remember, it was Jack Leach's spectacles. During the epic run chase at Headingley with Stokes, Leach called someone on to the ground to wipe his spectacles in the most obvious, yet justified, delaying tactic. He would later go on to take a crucial single to level the team scores before Stokes hit a boundary to seal the deal.
In that memorable night, Leach would imitate that single on the centre pitch alongside his mates during the celebrations. A miffed Steven Smith was later seen mocking him by wearing spectacles on the field after Australia retained the Ashes.
No wonder SpecSaver, the sponsorers, offered Leach lifetime free services.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Glyn Kirk
