Expect the unexpected as search for new Ashes heroes begins
The waiting is over. Ever since 2005, it seems that England are prepared to subordinate all other cricket to the Ashes. Everything they do is considered in the context of that oldest of series, any series defeat to any other team explained as part of the building process for when the baggy green machine next hove into view. Well now they have the chance to step up.
This series has a different feel about it to recent series. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, there was almost no prospect of a remotely close series. Australia were the best side in the world with a side packed with some of the greatest individuals the game has seen, while England lurched from being vaguely accomplished to an unadulterated shambles. The only real question was whether England could win a test or at least prevent Australia winning with too many matches to spare. They rarely did either.
In 2005, it was clash of the titans. England were on a huge roll having won several series on the trot including a winter victory in South Africa. Australia meanwhile continued to sweep all before them and a huge battle was predicted. How awesome it would turn out to be was beyond anyone’s expectations. In fact I’m watching the highlights for the umpteenth time and I’m still covered in goose bumps from head to toe.
After that series, predictions of a period of England domination proved ill-founded. Australia were the aging team, England a side of hungry young things with the world seemingly at their feet. But England proved that they do treat the twin imposters of success and failure just the same in that they tend to collapse in a heap after both of them. By 2006/07, England were a patched up outfit. Their captain was injured, their much vaunted pace attack was struggling for form and fitness. We all know what happened next as Australia’s legends finished with a spectacular last hurrah.
So in the past we have had a fair idea of what to expect from each team. Not since 1989, the first Ashes series I watched, has an Australian side with so many unknown faces landed on these shores, although that side did pretty nicely. Names such as Siddle, Hughes, Hilfenhaus, Haddin, Hauritz do not exactly trip off the tongue (alliteration aside). Mind you, I doubt your average Aussie knows too much about Swann, Bopara and Broad either.
There is a chance for individuals to make a serious name for themselves this summer, to move from the echelons of promising to world class, from good to great. Who will it be? Prior? Broad? Anderson? Cook? Or will it be Hughes? Johnson? Siddle? Or will the known quantities come to the fore again, the likes of Ponting, Pietersen, Hussey, Flintoff and Strauss? The great thrill of this series is that nobody really knows.
2005 was peerless not just because it was dramatic but because the standard was exceptional. Bat and ball were evenly matched throughout. England outplayed Australia but nobody is as mentally tough as Australia. Once again, England will have to get their heads round the fact that they will need to beat Australia twice in each test match if they are to win it. Sit back, get the esky into the living room, send the girlfriend off for 6 weeks in a spa or something, and enjoy.
