5 underrated Ashes performances over the years
The term, ‘The Ashes’ was coined in a satirical obituary published in the Sporting Times, a British newspaper, after Australia’s 1882 victory at The Oval, their first Test win on English soil.
The obituary stated, that English cricket had died, the body buried and the Ashes taken to Australia. The Ashes, one of the oldest rivalries in Test cricket is set to start in a few hours. Each and every year it throws up some amazing performances, which are remembered for a long time and also other gritty displays, which are oft forgotten, but play a huge role in shaping up the match and series.
Here’s a look at some underrated performances over the years:
1.Monty Panesar blocks out for a famous draw, Cardiff, 2009
Monty was already a folk hero going into the 2009 Ashes series, spinning out oppositions with his guile and turn. But he was elevated to a legendary status after putting up a formidable performance with the bat, helping England pull off a great escape in the first Test at Cardiff.
England were staring at a certain defeat at 127-6 halfway through day five, trailing Australia by 122 runs. Only Paul Collingwood and the tail stood between Australia and victory.
English hopes were dashed when Collingwood, fell with more than 10 overs remaining and only Panesar and Jimmy Anderson stood between a comprehensive win. As the overs slowly tickled towards zero, every dot was cheered loudly as a six. Panesar frustrated the Australians by showing pure will and tenacity. Australia’s search for a wicket grew frantic and they eventually fell short.
Monty and Jimmy walked off the pitch knowing they had achieved something quite special. And all the praise went to Panesar, and rightfully so, it was perhaps the best 7 not out ever played in Test cricket.