So, Australia has won back the Ashes. I was always wary of hubris: I didn’t expect Australia to lightly concede a fourth series defeat in a row. But I don’t think many people anticipated England would perform quite so disappointingly, particularly with the bat. All credit to an Australian team who played outstandingly well. And it wasn’t just a moustachioed Mitchell Johnson bowling ferociously at 150kph, there was strength across the Australian pace attack.
I managed to get to each of the tests for one day. Each is different, reflecting the host city. Australia hasn’t been defeated on the fast wicket of its Gabba citadel in Brisbane since 1988. In Adelaide we toured the almost-completed, impressive new stadium which cricket will share with the two local footie teams. I’m glad they’ve left the cathedral end open with its iconic views towards St Peter’s Cathedral.
The WACA in Perth is a very attractive traditional ground, with a hotchpotch of different smaller stands. We baked, even in the shade, as the temperature there hit 40° C – I don’t know how the players cope.
The tests are also great networking events, with federal and state politicians and business leaders in attendance. Plus the odd celebrity cricket “tragic” like Oscar-winning composer Tim Rice whom I sat with in Perth. The Australia Britain Chamber of Commerce also organised a series of Ashes business lunches and dinners in various cities, where speakers like Ian Botham, Michael Vaughan and Allan Border drew big crowds.
The “Barmy Army” of England fans haven’t had much to sing about yet, but it’s been good to have some 30,000 fans over here without consular incidents so far.
There is something special about the Ashes rivalry. For both teams this is the one to win. At every meeting you go to during this period someone is sure to ask the score – particularly if you’re the British HC and England are losing! There is usually some pretty fierce “sledging” on the pitch and this tour has been no exception. But when you talk to some of the retired players about the lifelong friendships they have formed with their erstwhile opponents, you understand why it’s a “rivalry that unites us” as the Australian Cricket tagline puts it.