Talking about the Ashes ...

Nothing interesting from the APL for a few days now, and so I was think what to write about. And then a great idea struck me - The Ashes.

The Ashes is one of the oldest rivalries in sports, dating back to 1882. Now some 120odd years later the rivalry is as fierce as ever. Who can forget series of 2005, what a thrilling contest that was.

Now back to 2009. The first test has just concluded, but not without a twist. Australian Captain Ricky Ponting had a great match - scoring 150 runs and named man of the match - but he wasnt a happy chap at the end of it all. He accused England of using stalling techniques to draw the game. For those who are not aware of what happened, heres a breif summary. With 1 wicket in hand and needing to survive just a few minutes for a draw, England decided to send their 12th man to deliver new gloves to the pair in the middle. Just an over later -and much to the dissappointment of the Australian captain- they were at it again. To add insult to injury, the team Physio was also sent out for no apparent reason. An unimpressed Ricky Ponting questioned England spirit after the game. Aussie Nathan Hauritz however said he would have done the same if he were in Englands shoes.

The series looks to heading to a new level now, with both teams eager to beat each other. Theres a little concern for England though, Andrew Flintoff the hero of 2005 is in serious doubt for the second test. His loss will be a major blow to England.
Injuries apart, this series is promising to be an exciting one