Battle for Cricket's Prized Urn Begins

Come November 29, and the battle for Cricket’s ‘Holy Grail’ begins. As England take on the Australians in their first test at Brisbane, the former colonial superpower would be reliving their rivalry with their rebel colony down south- a bitter war at the cricket turf that dates back to 1882.

When Andrew Strauss and his men take on the Aussies at their own backyard, they will have a lot at stake. Current holders of the precious terracotta urn, the English squad under 33 year old Andrew Strauss- a veteran of 73 tests and over 5000 runs will have to prove their critics wrong regarding the 5-0 whitewash they suffered at the hands of the aussies the last time ‘The Ashes’ were played down under.

The 1989 — 2003 period was one where Australia basked in their glory of success. They won all the 8 Ashes Series played during this span of 14 years. It was an era where the Aussies reached the peak of their success and confirmed their domination over world cricket. Names like Border, Taylor, Boon, Healy, Steve and Mark Waugh, Merv Hughes, Warne, McGrath, Gillespie, Langer, Gilchrist, Hayden and Martyn featured in their lineup.

But post 2007 the Aussie juggernaut has lost its sting after retirement of all the big names from international squad.The Australian batting lineup still has some class up its ranks with players like skipper Ponting , Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey and Simon Katich. But it will be their bowling that may be a cause of worry for them. The current crop of Australian bowlers lacks the experience against their formidable foes and is led by Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark. The rest comprises of rookies like Peter Siddle, Ben Hifenhaus, Doug Bollinger and Jason Krejza and 39 year old Stuart Mc Gill (44 Tests) being the only veteran in the spin department. Presence of All Rounder like Michael Clarke, the erratic Andrew Symonds and Mitchell Johnson will be Australia’s secret trump up its sleeves.

After their emphatic win at the T20 World Cup, England is on a new found high. A side that after a long time has started to believe in them and their abilities the English have to work hard to shrug off their chokers tag. The blue-eyed boys of cricket will take on their bitter rivals down under with one of the best lineups they have had in the recent past. Kevin Pieterson, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Strauss, Alistair Cook, Ian Bell leading the batting line up along with talented youngsters like Eoin Morgan, Ravi Bopara in the squad, England have the necessary firepower to excel in the bouncy Australian Wickets. The English bowling lineup has a good enough mix of experience and youth with bowlers like Harmison, Anderson, Graeme Swann, Monty Panesar along with youngsters like Onions, Steve Finn, and Liam Plunkett. The presence of Collingwood will provide the added advantage of a class All Rounder and a seasoned pro.

Current Ashes Champs England, after their 2-1 win back home will be high on confidence with their balanced and experienced squad charged up after their World Cup T20 spoils and will hope that the ghosts of their 5-0 routing at the hands of the Aussies do not come to haunt them again.

By: Soubhik Ray