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For someone unfamiliar to cricket it would be hard to see what the fuss is about. The original ashes urn stands at just 3 inches high and is falling to bits. However, the Ashes is possibly the most important symbol of cricket and all the tradition that goes with it.
Whilst the origin of the ashes urn has been debated the history of test matches between England and Australia can be dated back to 1887. Since then there have been some epic matches that have gone down in the sports history and some dull one sided events that are best forgotten. Many fans believe the 2006/07 Ashes series will be one of the best ever.
It is no surprise that tickets for the 2006/07 ashes series between England and Australia have sold like hot cakes. Interest in the annual cricket showdown has been resurrected thanks to England’s victory in last years exciting battle. That closely contested match came after a long period of Australian dominance as they had held the ashes for the previous 16 years. Until last year England’s defeat on the cricket pitch was a predictable and depressing part of the British sporting calendar.
Winning the Ashes made heroes of the entire England team especially all rounder Andrew Flintoff who became a national celebrity after his performances with bat and ball. The player of the series was flooded with praise and various awards but as the modest Flintoff was quick to point out it was very much a team effort.
With England skipper Michael Vaughan injured, Flintoff has been selected to take his place. This decision has surprised many who were expecting Andrew Strauss to be leading England in Australia. It remains to be seen if Flintoff can demonstrate the same leadership skills as Vaughan, but he certainly has the respect of his fellow players and the opposition.
It was not only individuals that saw their popularity soar following the last ashes series as the sport itself received some much needed exposure. It was not just the fact that England won that captured the public’s imagination, but the way they won it. The series was one of the most exciting ever with England winning the second test by 2 runs, the smallest winning margin in ashes history. No sport can challenge the popularity of football in the UK but there are certainly more people interested in cricket following England’s success.
It may be wishful thinking to expect another contest as dramatic as the last series but England would happily take any kind of victory this time around. Many are predicting a convincing win for the Australians, the question is can England prove them wrong?
Unlike the previous one, the series is being played in Australia and playing at home with familiar conditions and local support is always an advantage. Australia are also likely to have the fast bowler Glenn McGrath in their bowling attack. Some believe his injury after the first test last year was a major factor in England’s succcessful campaign. If he is fit and on form he is going to be a major threat to the English batsmen.
The Australians are certainly in good form as they have won eleven tests since their ashes defeat. In contrast England’s form has been mixed. They may find life in Australia tough without key playes such as Vaughan and Simon Jones and a squad carrying many players who aren’t fully fit. One advantage England do have is that to win back the ashes the Australian team will have to win the series as a draw will result in the holders retaining the trophy.
For England to win this year’s Ashes would be an even greater achievement than last years success and they would return home even greater heroes than when they left. If there is one thing Australians hate it’s losing to the English and they are certainly confident they can gain revenge. Whilst England’s form since that historic Ashes win has been mixed that victory was no fluke and they are determined to prove that. Whatever the result all the fans are hoping that this series lives up to the high expectations.
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