It was more than a life-saver for the test cricket. More than 60 days of grueling series, Ashes 2009 lived up to the hype that loomed much before the start of the series. There would be significant changes in both teams, when they face-off in the next Ashes in 2013. The Englishmen, who‘ve tasted success in the last couple of series in their home soil will cherish the memories for the next four years. The long wait would be hard for the Australians, who will seek payback in the next edition.
After some fascinating test series since 2008, it is hard to believe that test cricket in on the brink of demise. Though there is a shrink in the spectator- turnouts, the overall quality has increased. Several innovative methods are in the reckoning of ICC to improve the quality of test cricket. Creating ‘Elite’ and ‘Plate’ groups is good suggestion, which will avoid the clash of contest between strong and weak teams, that wouldn’t generate any sort of interest among the spectators.
It has been a series to forget for Ricky Ponting, as Australia were stripped off from the helm of Test cricket. They are being placed at the 4th position, which is the worst after the rankings has been introduced. Australia is finding it hard to make the right combinations to form the core of the Australian team. It will be an uphill task for Australia to regain the supremacy they had till 2007 that made them ‘Invincible’.
England will savor this moment for a long time after having a tough season filled with controversies. Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower have done a fantastic job to regroup the team which had been hit by the Pieterson-Moles spat. Amid the euphoria, England should not lose their focus of getting to the top of rankings. The immediate task will be to find a replacement for Andrew Flintoff, which apparently is a very big ask.
Tags: Ashes 2009, Australia, England
