SK Flashback: The greatest Ashes and the greatest Cricket Video Games- Part 1
More than ten years have passed since the greatest cricket video game of all time- EA Cricket 07 was released. The franchise came to an unfortunate and abrupt closure as EA Games decided against developing a new version, citing problems of piracy and lack of worldwide popularity. But the game has lived on, with the numerous patch-ups developed by ardent fans time to time.
The most interesting game mode was the Ashes, with the 2005 N-Power Ashes Scenarios being the highlight. Gamers could choose to play as either side, reliving moments of arguably the best Test series of all time, creating or rewriting the history as they advance. In this throwback article, let us reminisce the campaign from Australia's viewpoint. Get ready for a trip down the memory lane!
1st Test (Lord's):
#1. A Spark from Clarke:
After some egregious batting from both teams in the first innings, Australia is slowly building up on the slender lead by a cautious batting performance. The score is 188/3 and Michael Clarke is at 46 in the company of Damien Martyn. The objective is to compile his maiden Test century without running any batsman out. Given that there was no limit to the balls faced and no concerns about the other batsman's fate, this was a relatively simpler task.
What actually happened: Clarke was denied a well-deserved century when he was castled by Matt Hoggard on 91. But his performance played the pivot to set an improbable target for England, to which they had no answers.
#2. McGrath strikes back:
Post getting bowled out for a paltry 190 in the first innings, Australia required some early inroads to stay alive in the game. The onus was on The Pidge as the experienced duo of Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Strauss took guard. The objective is to take one wicket with McGrath. Another simple task, given that one could take any number of overs to complete it.
What actually happened: McGrath was phenomenal with the new ball as he sent half of the English order back into the hut with 21 runs on board. But for debutant Kevin Pietersen's fighting half-century, England would not have crossed even 100. Eventually, they folded up for 155, conceding strategic first innings lead to the Aussies.