The Ashes 2013: Let’s rewind to feel the heat

The second test at Edgbaston, gave spectators and fans their money’s and time’s full worth, as they witnessed a pulsating test match, with a nail biting finish, helping England level the series 1-1. After high scoring first innings from both teams, England was in deep trouble in the second one, when came the English talisman, ‘Freddie’ to the rescue, smashing the Aussie bowlers all around the park. After displaying his batting talent, the all-rounder showed us that he was no less a front-line bowler and gave us a chance to witness an absolute breathtaking spell, in which he was just too fast and furious for Aussie batsmen to handle.

Third test at Old Trafford ended in a draw, but again had all sorts of thrill and excitement right till the end. This match saw awesome batting performances from English captain Vaughan in the first innings and England’s prime opener Andrew Strauss in the second innings. The fantastic bowling spell from Simon Jones in the first innings was also a treat to watch. Chasing a massive target of 400 plus, the Aussie skipper played a brilliant knock of 156 before he got out; an innings which was quite interesting to watch, as he had to refrain from his natural attacking game and switch to the defensive mode, seeing his side on the verge of loosing yet another match on the fifth day. The end was going on the similar lines of second test, but this time the Aussie tail managed to draw the test and kept the series to 1-1.

The fourth test at Trent Bridge was epic as we all witnessed the Aussie team following-on in a test match after 17 years, thanks to a Freddie century and then a yet another devastating spell from Simon Jones. Although the Aussies fought back hard and attacked back, the effort was just not enough to stop England from enjoying a 3 wicket win to lead the series 2-1. This test also refreshes our memory with that famous run-out of Ponting, which was followed by some disrespectful words and gesture in punter’s own style to the English dressing room.

The fifth and final test at the Oval saw sumptuous batting performances from both the teams, with centuries from Strauss, Hayden and KP and wizardesque bowling spells from the legendary Shane Warne (earning him 5 wicket hauls in both innings). The match finally ended in a draw and England registered a 2-1 victory, regaining the urn. Half the English side had never played in an Ashes test match before. More than the result, it was the delectable and thrilling manner in which the series flowed that makes me write about it.

Let’s sit back and enjoy the 67th edition of the series, and hope that it brings the same if not more, jaw dropping and eye popping moments!