The summer of 2023 will see the next installment of one of world sport’s greatest rivalries. Australia will make the long journey across the planet to contest the Ashes Series against England, and excitement levels couldn’t be any higher. The contest has been a happy hunting ground for the Aussies in recent years, and they will be aiming to maintain their stranglehold on the famous little urn.
The Baggy Greens are enjoying their best spell against their oldest enemy in over 20 years. They have managed to cling on to the urn throughout the last three series against England, a spell spanning back some eight years. At the turn of the millennium, they managed to win eight consecutive Ashes series between 1989 and 2003.
The last time the Ashes took place on English soil, Australia managed to cling on to the trophy by drawing the series two tests apiece. As they were the reigning holders of the crown, they claimed the bragging rights and retained the trophy. However, they have not secured a series win against England away from home since they won 4-1 back in 2001.
What Do We Have to Look Forward To This Summer?
Speaking of this year’s hosts, they have enjoyed plenty of success since they managed to rip the trophy away from the Australians back in 2005. Between 2009 and 2013 they managed to win three consecutive Ashes series for the first time since the late 1970s. But exactly a decade on from that success down under, they are now eight years without a series victory.
New head coach Brendan McCullum and his ‘Bazball’ tactics have drawn England plenty of plaudits over the last 12 months. They have managed to pick up big victories against South Africa, Pakistan and New Zealand. However, whether their new methods translate into a first ashes crown in eight years remains to be seen. One thing that is abundantly clear is that the betting odds cannot split the pair. Bodog, which provides cricket, soccer, NFL, and NHL odds, currently makes England 1.91 (-110) favorites. But truth be told, the series could swing either way.
Over the years, Australia have had to endure plenty of heartache in the home country of their archrivals. On numerous occasions, they have very nearly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, only for late drama to provide a twist in the tale. Here is the most memorable occasion of a time when Australian heroics weren’t quite enough to secure victory.
“Jones… BOWDEN”
Those were the words of the late great Richie Benaud as Michael Kasprowicz was caught out by wicketkeeper Geraint Jones at the culmination of the second test match of the 2005 Ashes Series at Edgbaston. And to make matters worse for the tourists, they were just three runs away from the unlikeliest of victories. Heading into the fourth day of that fateful test, Australia were a million miles away from victory, but in the end, they came within touching distance.
After the hosts opened up a 99-run lead after each side’s first innings, Australia knew that victory would be almost impossible. The incomparable Shane Warne then bamboozled England’s batsmen, picking up figures of 6/46 leaving the hosts all out for 182 and giving his side a more than reachable total of 281 to win. However, things fell apart on the evening of day three.
England on the Brink
As day four got underway, Australia had just two wickets in hand and still needed a whopping 107 wins to take a 2-0 series lead. But heroics from tailenders Shane Warne, Brett Lee, and the aforementioned Kasprowicz wouldn’t give up the fight. Warne was eventually dismissed for 42 and with the tourists still 61 runs away from victory.
Lee would continue in Warne’s absence however, consistently picking up runs while protecting his batting partner at the other end of the wicket. With Australia just three runs away from that magical 281 target, English fast bowler Steve Harmison found a ball that exploded off the pitch. All Kasprowicz was do was cover his face and hope the ball whistled past.
It didn’t. It clipped him on the glove, while the English wicketkeeper flew to his left to take the catch. Up went the crooked finger from Billy Bowden and England had won, much to the dismay of Brett Lee, who had given his all in the hopes of sealing the victory for his side. His efforts were recognised by English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff who, rather than celebrating with his teammates, chose to console the Australian batsman in a wonderful sporting moment.
The victory at Edgbaston spurred England throughout the rest of the series. Australia clung on for a draw in the third test at Old Trafford before England took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the Fourth Test at Trent Bridge. All the tourists could do was aim for a victory in the fifth test at The Oval and retain the urn by drawing the series, but they couldn’t do it, and England were left to celebrate their first Ashes series success since 1987.
