The First Ball of an Ashes Series
Image courtesy of Sarah Jones
As excitement builds for the beginning of one of the most hotly anticipated Ashes in recent memory, I have been thinking about the significance and the number of iconic moments produced by the first ball of the series.
If you are anything like me, immediately 3 instances spring to mind.
Number 1 : Cummins to Crawley at Edgbaston. All of the talk leading up to that 2023 series was questioning whether BazBall could work against top quality opposition. To many people’s surprise and to the horror of many ex Aussie players, the tourist started with sweepers on the boundary either side. Cummins pitched the ball right into the arc of the long-levered Crawley who gleefully climbed into the ball with a classic cover driver that scorched the turf on the way to the fence. That set the tone for the scoring rates and intent that followed. I’m sure you all remember Stokes’ Stuart Broad esque reaction of shock.
Number 2 : Mitchell Starc to Rory Burns. As an England fan, watching an away series down under from my TV screen at 2am, you really hope for a safely negotiated opening over with no alarms. Burns clearly thought otherwise being castled round his legs to the delight of the Australian fielders and rampant Australian commentary box. If it is Starc to bowl the opening ball this year England fans can at least cling on to the fact it can only start better than last time they toured down under.
Number 3: Harmison to Langer. Now while this was before I was born, any proclaimed cricket fan should be aware of this delivery - stated by many to be the worst ball in history. After Steve Bucknor gestures to start, Harmison charges in to bowl a quick delivery that nestles in the hands of Freddie Flintoff. The second slip. This rather set the tone for the 5-0 whitewash that was to follow.
What could we possible see this series? Crawley or Starc to repeat their moments? Archer to bowl a ferocious bouncer? Or perhaps more likely now that I have written this article, a classical leave or forward defence. I will certainly be staying up to watch despite it being the morning before school. Might be a bit tired to focus in my Maths lesson…
Let me know if you have any memories from the first delivery of an Ashes series, maybe from before I was born. Given we know the importance of England claiming victory at Perth to have a realistic chance in the series it is important they start well - from ball one.
