The top five moments of Ashes 2009
The just concluded Ashes has witnessed top class cricket and will surely would have gone either way had it not been for the moments that I am mentioning in this entry. So, here we are: the top five moments of Ashes 2009.
FIFTH BIGGEST MOMENT OF ASHES
To me, Kevin Pietersen being ruled out because of Achilles injury just immediately after the famous win of England at the second Test in Lord’s was one of the biggest moment. Captain Andrew Strauss needed a help from Andrew Flintoff but he was not chosen for the fourth Test at Leeds which resulted in a big drubbing for the home side. The two top stars created a big void in the side for sure.
FOURTH BIGGEST MOMENT OF ASHES
One of the path-breaking events in the Ashes was that of James Anderson and Monty Panesar denying Australia the much-needed victory in the first Test at Cardiff. Yes, there were those unnecessary interuptions did raised a few eyebrows but the two English tailenders did help their team at the end of the day. To me, the results matter not how it was achieved.
THIRD BIGGEST MOMENT OF ASHES
It had to Andrew Flintoff in the Ashes 2009. His performance went notches up after announcing his retirement and his bowling in the victory at Lord’s Test was a proof of that. Be it his bowling, batting or his stupendous run-out of Ricky Ponting in the final Test at The Oval, Freddie was exemplary. The talismanic all-rounder surely bowed out on a career-high.
SECOND BIGGEST MOMENT OF ASHES
Michael Clarke and Marcus North batted out of their skins on the final day of the third Test to ensure that they were still in the hunt after England had taken a stronghold in the battle. Clarke and North ensured that they batted throughout the day for their centuries and North in particular has matured into a fantastic batsman and a useful spinner too. He will probably be used more often in the bowling department especially after his wicket-taking skills displayed amply at the Oval Test.
THE BIGGEST MOMENT OF THIS ASHES
The biggest moment without doubt is the debut century of Jonathan Trott. With that century he became the 18th Englishmen ever to have achieved this feat and the first one was none other than Sir W.G. Grace. He was often talked about being a best bet for the home side and was covered extensively by the media and cricketers in the talk shows and interviews. He might have had a moderate in his first innings but anchored the England innings in their second. He was the last man dismissed in their innings and fittingly got a standing ovation when he walked back to the pavilion.
Yes, I have missed out on other moments such as Ponting’s super knock at Cardiff, Peter Siddle and Stuart Clarke spell at Edgbaston. I also did not mention Stuart Broad’s spell in the final Test. However, the best moment was given to Trott simply because he never faced the pressure of Ashes or for that matter—an international match before and still stood up for the challenge.
Please give your suggestions on the same.
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