Ashes – Unrivalled Rivalry

The Ashes: One of the most prestigious events and one of the most celebrated rivalries in the world. Lying deep in England, fastidious preparation is being undertaken for one of the most historical sporting competitions. With heat waves expected, fans are coming out in force desperate to deflect attention away from pressing matters such as the recession. The fundamental festival of fabulous fun has arrived at the most convenient time and the crowds will be out in their thousands. This gives many numerous sports fans around the world focus on what really matters in life. Cricket.

The last time these two illustrious countries met in the United Kingdom, England prevailed as victors with one of the most memorable victories the country has captured in recent time. Australia, however, fought ferociously to win back the urn they had kept protector of for 16 years and triumphed over their rivals down under in 2006/07. The rivalry has seen a sudden burst of newfound electric atmosphere with both nations now feeling the significant importance of the series.

England have the home advantage this time around and will be looking to gain their much wanted revenge as if Australia was its brother. England have won the Ashes once more than Australia in their home country and with the rekindled success of 2005 still vivid in their memory, England will surely look to hand out some payback. This competition has been ongoing since 1882 and is just as important as ever. 

The Ashes this year has few legends of the last decade and few players touted to live up to the same standard. Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee, Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke are of immense importance to Australia's chances of clinching the series. They have the invaluable experience and indispensable acumen that performing at such a level for such a period requires. Australia however won't just be relying on their 'old gems' to perform, as a young star by the name of Phil Hughes is set to conquer England. The 20 year old has already been labeled as the next Matthew Hayden by experts and observers alike. Through intelligence or desire is yet to be discovered, but the young destructive left hand batsman has definitely a colourful career ahead of himself. Averaging 69 after 43 First Class innings with a mere 5 not outs is going to, no doubt, placing fear and anxiety into the minds of the English bowlers.

Australia have a predicament of their own on their hands, with no awe inspiring spinner in the Ashes squad. Shane Warne was such a massive part of the team dynamics that Australia are still trying to fully recover from the retirement of the undisputed legend. Nathan Hauritz is the lone pure spin bowler Australia have traveled with but if he can't meet or exceed the expectations set then Australia still have the option of Clarke, North and co. Their other specialist area, batting, is free of any predicaments and dilemmas. The top and middle order basically picks itself and the likes of Ponting, Hussey, Clarke, Katich and North can all carry their bats for a long innings. Australia shouldn't be short of runs when the series starts and they should easily get defendable totals. Mitchell Johnson will be the main bowler to defend whatever total set and his talent to Australia is like a claw to a bear. Their weapon. He's proven himself so far at the tender age of 27 in the shorter format but still could transfer his exceptional form over to the long form of the game.

The English players are determined, however, and have stated they are not going to crumble under the valour of the Australians. The side has received a sudden morale boost with the comeback of Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff who, alongside Kevin Pietersen, was vital in England's Ashes jubilation of 2005. Andrew Strauss is another player who featured prominently in the Ashes of 2005 which saw him have a steady opening partnership with Marcus Trescothick. They may be without Marcus but England have blooded themselves with raw talent since then and with James Anderson and Stuart Broad now spearheading the England bowling attack England have once again created a fearsome line-up. Both bowlers have the potential to rip through the batting order and annihilate their opposition. The batting line-up is anything but short of perfect technique with Ravinder Bopara and Ian Bell being known for craftsman-esque innings. England are going to need to convert technique into priceless runs however as it's all good being fancy, but the result is what matters.

There have been some new inclusions in recent time to the England squad. Tim Bresnan, Graham Onions, Adil Rashid and Graeme Swann have all tried to break through into the exclusive eleven. Swann has been the most successful and has made the spinners spot his own with a flurry of exceptional performances against the West Indies. Onions is the only other bowler of the four to really have been given a chance, resulting him grabbing it with both hands. Rashid and Bresnan are still finding their feet at the moment however and will need to perform if required. A player who lost his way for a while, has found his way again. Stephen Harmison has impressed many a spectator. If given the chance, he has the capability of pulling off a sensational performance. On the other hand, I don't think he will be given many more chances with many other bowlers improving all the time. England have got decent backup in the bowling department but will still have to hope and rely that Broad and Anderson are on song. They are England's talismen. They are England's trump card.

This year may not have the all time legends such as Glenn McGrath or Shane Warne, who are undoubtedly superior athletes to many involved this year, but it is sure going to be host to some excellent cricket. The predictions and speculation is rife with the quality of both teams succumbing to a similar scale. Who will win? That's the beauty of cricket. It really can go either way; with the pendulum in the balance.