One of the most closely contested and revered rivalry in world cricket kicks off at Edgbaston from August 1. Australia and England will lock horns once again, keeping the tradition of fighting to the bone for the Ashes alive.
Through the years, there have been innumerable instances that have etched themselves in the minds of fans and experts alike, ranging from crucial spells to memorable sporting moments. Here we have unearthed the best of the lot, that stand out as shining examples of the Ashes legacy.
SHANE WARNE - Ball of the century (1993)
Australian legend Shane Warne made a name for himself back in the 1993 Ashes in England by dismissing Mike Gatting with a delivery that defined his entire career. Still finding his feet in international cricket, the then 23-year-old leg spinner was entrusted to take charge by captain Allan Border.
Warne came into bowl and unleashed himself on Gatting. The delivery pitched outside leg stump and turned more than five inches to clip the top of the off-stump. Gatting stood flummoxed for a while before starting the long walk back, while the entire Australian team ran towards Warne celebrating his scalp.
Little did he know that he had just delivered the ‘Ball of the century’.
STEVE WAUGH – Written in the stars (2003)
The final Test of 2003 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was a testament to how legends never retire. Steve Waugh’s form was a topic of debate across the cricketing spectrum with the possibility of his retirement looming around.
Australia had already won the series, but it would have been a perfect farewell for the legendary skipper. The roar of the crowd grew louder towards the end of the day’s play, urging Waugh to continue rather than declaring. With two runs required for his record 29th ton, Waugh struck the final ball of the day for a boundary and rejoiced in ecstasy.
One can safely say, it was indeed written in the stars.
ANDREW FLINTOFF and BRETT LEE – A moment to remember (2005)
Unarguably, the greatest Ashes series played till date had every Aussie and English fan gasping for breath. The second test at Edgbaston saw Ricky Ponting committing a grave mistake of putting England to bat first. The target of 282 set by England was in no manner a viable task for the Aussies and in came Andrew Flintoff. He led the charge and dismantled the Kangaroo’s top order. Australia were left reeling at 220/9, with victory looking in sight for the English.
But Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz managed to turn the tables and steady the ship. Only three runs away from victory, Kasprowicz fell prey to a Steve Harmison delivery. While everyone on the field went berserk, Flintoff walked up to a heartbroken Lee, sat down, shook his hands and gestured that all is not over.
Though England won 2-1, this particular moment was the highlight of the entire series.
JAMES ANDERSON and MONTY PANESAR - Miracle of Cardiff (2009)
In the first Test at Cardiff back in 2009, England endured a terrible start. Even after scoring 435 in the first innings, the English bowlers were unable to contain the Aussies. In the second innings, to their utter dismay England were reeling at 70/5. However, a determined Paul Collingwood along with James Anderson and Monty Panesar were not ready to bow down.
The England tailenders pulled off a remarkable cricketing heist with Collingwood holding the fort for over five hours at the other end. Post his dismissal, Anderson and Panesar endured the wrath of the Australian pacers without budging, thus drawing the match.
The spectators were euphoric, as the Ashes lay witness to a miraculous escape.
MITCHELL JOHNSON – A fiery spell to end English hopes (2013)
The moustache was back and so was Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson’s form. In the Adelaide Test back in 2013, Johnson eradicated all chances of an English victory, returning with a mammoth figure of 7/40, clearly a ‘Man of the Match’ performance.
His pace was unbearable and the English batsmen dreaded the sight of him whenever he came on to bowl. Bouncers, Yorkers, slower deliveries and more were flung at the English from the gifted left-arm of Johnson. Also, the death stare he gave to Anderson after uprooting his middle stump is sure to stay in the memory of the English pacer for years to come.
With 37 wickets in the 2013-14 edition, the ‘Man of the Series’ was Australia’s shining beacon.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter/ ICC
