I know i could've put this in the Final Test thread, but I really wanted to show how sincere i was about this. As an Australian, I've been used to seeing us dominate anybody who took their place against us. Sure, i have cheered them on during this and supported them, but it took this Ashes Series for me to truely appreciate cricket again.
A part of me is upset, we've lost the ashes, but the other part is proud that the most deserving team claimed them. For me, however, there have been Four big stars during this entire series:
Brett Lee: His courage and vigor has earnt a whole new wave of respect from all cricket punters. Two years ago, he was seen as a pretty boy who could bowl fast, but now he's one of the gutsiest players ever, and almost our new spearhead.
Simon Jones: Master of reverse swing. England's most impressive bowler througout the series. Never mind what stats say, he's the guy that caused us the most problems. When he returns from injury, he could very well establish himself amongst the upper-level of fast bowlers.
Andrew Flintoff: Freddie as he likes to be called has done it all, with bat and ball. When Australia looked comfortable earlier int he series, he smashes a ton, to take the advantage back. When Australia looked like they were going to post a big total at The Oval, he comes in a bowls one of the greatest spells (unchanged) of all time. A bonafide superstar of the game
And finally, the man who i thought should have been named man of the series
Shane Warne: The Greatest Ever. Throw around other candidates for that title. Bradman? Sure, greatest batsman of all time. Crushing tons and a huge average, but did he ever singlehandedly keep a series alive? Botham? Champion bowler and batsman, but wasn't always consistent with the stellar performances. There's more as well, but i think the points would just start to repeat themselves. Quite simply, without Warne. England would've won 3 or 4 to 1. He carried the spirit of the team, that only maybe Brett lee could match for the Aussies, and never gave up. 40 wickets at 21 and 240 odd runs, is the ultimate performance.
So with the series in the bag, it had it all. The confirmation of greatness (Warne), the end of the road (Gillespie), the emergence of new stars (Pietersen), the resilence and ability to dig in (Lee and Giles /Whose 59 was just as important as Pietersen's 158/), the close finishes (Edgbaston, Old Trafford, Trent Bridge) and on and on.
The greatest series ever and one i will not soon forget. Well Done, England.......but we'll see you in 18 months
