2005 Ashes: The rebirth of English Cricket

Fifth Test match at the Oval, London-

Chapter-9:

Now as the English team moved back to London, the millions of people at home knew that even a draw could bring back the cherished Urn to London after eight failed attempts. After batting first for the fourth consecutive time in the series, the home sides again walked towards a big first innings total as they closed on at 373 runs. The English southpaw: Strauss stuttered his second ton of the series while the epic performances of Flintoff grew even meatier. But, this time Australian’s were not ready to surrender as their openers accounted for 185 runs with both Langer and Hayden getting to the three figure mark. But, still the fight couldn’t take them to those heights which they had aspired to reach. After plundering 72 runs with the willow in hand, Freddie Flintoff; the star of the series followed it up with a Five-fer in the first innings.

Chapter-10:

But, still there was a twist in the tale as the English team was struggling at 126-5 on day five. But, then came a heck of an innings from Kevin Pietersen, who played a match defying as well as a dazzling knock of 158 with 15 boundaries and seven sixes against his name. It was only his heroics that could overpower the spin wizard: Warne who grabbed a majestic 12-wicket haul in the match. But, England posted a total of 335 runs and by the twilight of the evening, the match was drawn and English team scripted a magical 2-1 series win. The grandiose performances of Flintoff which included 402 runs and 24 wickets in the series, earned him the Player of the Series award. While, Warne with 40 wickets in the series was adjudged as Man of the Series from the Australian side.

Brief scores: 1st innings Eng- 373 (Strauss 129, Warne 6/122), Aus- 367 (Hayden 138, Flintoff 5/78)

2nd innings: Eng – 335 (Pietersen 158, Warne 6/124), Aus 4/0

Significance:

As Michael Vaughan lifted the greatest laurel of his life, the whole nation was gripped by a euphoria like never ever seen before. Finally, the Urn was back in London after turmoil of 16 long years. The English audiences again started loving the sport which they have treasured as a beloved child for centuries. Sooner, there was an England team parade on top of a bus in London as Ashes winners were celebrating the most epic moment of honor and glory in their lives. KP, the new English star sprayed champagne on the elatedly cheerful pool of fans. The whole city of London was on its toes as thousands of Londoners flocked the street with madness of sheer bliss and happiness of Ashes kudos for which they have to wait for decades.

The Conclusion:

The epic scenes showcased the essence of a never ending bond of the fans with the sport which is much beyond a sport for them. It is that inspiration and driving force which fills their lives with utmost satisfaction and harmony. In this way, the most thrilling test series of cricket history which glorified the game in numerous facets led to the rebirth of English cricket in the hearts and souls of the people. The summer of 2005 will be ever so spanking new and invigorating as long as the sport is alive and kicking.