The Ashes are one of the most awaited series in world cricket. The intensity with which the players perform in the Ashes is just another level. This is the most iconic rivalry that every cricket fan enjoys. The Ashes have a legacy associated with them. Several series may come and go but the Ashes have a special notion associated with them. So, what are the most memorable Ashes’ moments? Which are the moments in the Ashes that give every fan an adrenaline rush? Here’s a look:
Ashes 2017, Australia Wins First D/N Test Match:
The Ashes never had a D/N Test match before 2017. The first Ashes D/N Test was won by Australia. The match was hosted at the Adelaide Oval and saw Marsh and Mitchell Starc becoming heroes for Australia. Shaun Marsh scored an amazing 126* which saw Australia declare on 442/8. Mitchell Starc and his express pace bundled out England for 227.
Australia was all-out for a mere 138 in the second innings. However, Mitchell Starc got the Australians back on track by picking the second five-wicket haul of the game.
Ashes 2013, The Summer of Mitchell Johnson:
The Summer of Mitchell Johnson wreaked havoc amongst all the English batsmen. His express pace and short deliveries were so quick, they had frightened the English batters. Jonathan Trott noted his experience of facing Mitchell Johnson as one of his most gut-wrenching ones. In the 5 games that he played; Mitchell Johnson picked 37 wickets. He was averaging 13.97.
Ashes 2011, England win Ashes on Australian Soil:
2011 Ashes was one of the best experiences for a cricket fan. It saw the visiting England team beat Australia comprehensively by 3-1. The series saw Peter Siddle take his first Ashes hat trick on his 26th Birthday. The Englishmen won 3 games by a huge margin defeating the Australians by an innings. The series also saw the retirement of England legend Paul Collingwood. This is the recent occasion of a visiting team winning the Ashes in Australia.
Ashes 2019, Australia retain Ashes on English Soil:
The 2019 Ashes were a treat to watch. The battle between Steve Smith and Jofra Archer set the stage on fire. The series has been well-documented in the Amazon Prime documentary, The Test. This series has the iconic Headingly Test match. The series also witnessed the implementation of the “Concussion Substitute” rule. Marnus Labuschagne, went on to be the phenomenon that changed world cricket.
Ashes 2019, Sir Ben Stokes to the Rescue:
The Headingly Test Match can never be forgotten by any cricket fan. Sir Ben Stokes played an “Ian Botham”-like innings. Ben Stokes single-handedly flipped the game on its head. The missed run out by Nathan Lyon, the wrong review of Pat Cummins’ ball, everything made the innings even more special. In the last wicket partnership of 76 runs, Jack Leach contributed the all-important 1 run!