10 best images from Ashes Cricket 2017

There hasn't been much to cherish for cricket and gaming enthusiasts lately ever since the withdrawal of EA Sports from the cricket gaming arena a decade ago. Since then, plenty of game developers have tried their hand at creating a gaming experience closest to reality but have largely flattered to deceive.

The Real Cricket and Cricket Captain series' looked promising, but sales will show that the public didn't quite accept them with open arms. Now, it appears that the long layoff could finally be coming to an end.

Big Ant Studios may not be the most popular game developers in the world but their latest creation looks absolutely stunning. They recently announced that the revered "Ashes" series would be getting a complete makeover and would be released as "Ashes Cricket" 2017 in the month of November.

This is especially noteworthy as the Australian summer starts around this time.

The game looks absolutely fantastic when you take a casual look at simply the faces of the players, making it one of a kind and truly in a league of its own.

Here are the best images from the game so far:

#1 Jonny Bairstow keeping wickets

Here is the iconic photo that most fans may already be familiar with. England's Jonny Bairstow looks staid in attention with two slip fielders in the background at a stadium that appears to be in Australia. The clarity is truly astonishing here and makes for one exciting teaser before the real fun actually begins.

#2 Women's cricket is included too

As we can see, women are adequately represented in Ashes Cricket too and though women's cricket may not be as well recognised the world over, considerable effort seems to have gone into making the women look as realistic as their male counterparts.

Reality also hits us from the background where a visibly smaller stadium exists and even a bit of nature creeps in from the side. A work of art? You could say that.

#3 Nathan Lyon in action

Nathan Lyon is one of Australia's most prolific spinners and including him in the game was an absolute no-brainer. However few would have believed that the Aussie bowler would look quite so life-like in the game.

Even the shades and cap style of the player have been taken into consideration while making his profile in the game. The background looks 100% authentic to make things even better.

#4 Steve Smith's transformation

Now, here is a mind-blowing photo that will make you want to purchase this game straight away. Aussie skipper Steve Smith was definitely going to be one of the highlights of the game and here he is being showcased in his original form on the extreme left, next to his virtual comrades.

The resemblance is uncanny, to say the least, and is proof of the terrific job done by the game developers. This is easily the most exciting thing to look forward to in the game.

#5 Glenn Maxwell's motion capture

Glenn Maxwell's powerhouse style of batting is all set to be displayed in Ashes Cricket 2017 and if this motion capture photo is anything to go by, we could see the best of the Aussie come November.

Cricket Australia's collaboration with Big Ant appears to be paying dividends as is evident from the sheer hard work that has gone into making the players look as realistic as possible. Kudos again. Check out the video of the motion capture here:

#6 David Warner at his very best

Explosive opener David Warner seems to be walking back to the pavilion, and there is no doubt that this is the best he has ever looked in a game. A portion of his "Gray Nicolls" bat is visible, giving an indication of the work that went in to creating this particular scene.

#7 Alastair Cook's facial likeness

Alastair Cook will no doubt play a massive role for England at the Ashes in Australia and his facial features have been given due representation in this game as well. Big Ant Studios revealed this photo on their Twitter profile recently, showing the England stalwart at his very best in the game.

It remains to be seen whether he will be as influential in the game as he has been in real life, but the first signs look promising.

#8 Ben Stokes looks ready

Ben Stokes may be wearing a mask of shame in reality, but his Ashes Cricket profile looks impeccable, to say the least. Here he is running into bowl with his typical ginger hair at the forefront. His tattoos are visible too as is the spectacular background. A true sight to behold.

#9 James Anderson bowls them over

James Anderson is dangerous with the ball in hand and he looks just as menacing in this game too. His facial features look sharp and recognisable as does his trademark stance. The pacer is ready to wreak havoc both in reality as well as virtually in the Ashes.

#10 The England women are ready

Ending with the women, it's not just the Aussie women who shine in this game, but the English ones too as can be seen from this stunning photo. The player's features look impressive and the stadium is pretty well documented too. This game really does have it all.