Monday, September 26, 2005

Ashes 2005: The England Heroes




Marcus Trescothick (8/10)
The Aussies thought he was their ‘bunny’, but he was the most consistent batsman from either team.

Andrew Strauss (8/10)
Became a senior player, and the only one to make two centuries.

Michael Vaughan (9/10)
Only one major innings – the 166 at Old Trafford – but captains are uniquely important in cricket, and he outwitted Ponting at every turn. Crucial to the team, whether he scores runs or not.

Ian Bell (5/10)
Two half-centuries, some nice catches, but that was it. Needs to be better in Pakistan.

Kevin Pietersen (9/10)
A great start and a greater finish. Not too much in between and six dropped catches, but who cares? Top scorer (473) and average (52.55) in the series.

Andrew Flintoff (10/10)
Became probably the best cricketer in the world, with one of the smallest egos. Best bowler, best batsman, best sportsman.

Geraint Jones (5/10)
Moments of madness with the bat and some rank incompetence as wicketkeeper, but a few decent knocks and should be persisted with for his partnerships with Flintoff

Ashley Giles (8/10)
Not earth-shattering with the ball, but twice saw England home with his stubborn lower-order batting.

Matthew Hoggard (8/10)
A poor start, but devastating spell at the Oval was crucial. Batting saved the day at Trent Bridge.

Steve Harmison (7/10)
Low-key for the reputed best bowler, but did his bit.

Simon Jones (9/10)
Overnight transformation from weakest link in five-man attack to deadly strike bowler. Injured and missed in the last Test

Paul Collingwood (6/10)
His painstaking second innings at the Oval was one of the most important scores of 10 in cricket history.

Gary Pratt (10/10)
The supersub fielder became a cult figure and gave us all a damn good laugh by running out Ponting.

Duncan Fletcher (10/10)
Never mind a British passport, the coach should be given a knighthood.

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