The Ashes are one of the biggest rivalries in the cricket world. It is a test series that takes place between Australia and England. For the first time, it took place in 1882, and since then, it has been played every two years. In all these decades, there have been a plethora of moments that are cherished by cricket fans throughout the world. Not only this, winning the series is celebrated with massive joy in both the playing countries. Therefore, let’s look at some of the most iconic moments in the Ashes.
1. The Final Duck
Sir Don Bradman, one of the most revered people in the cricket world, was bowled ducked while playing the last test match of his career. This dismissal came in the final game of the Ashes against an English spinner, Eric Hollies. It was an emotional moment, as it was his last international match.
2. 1981 Series
Whenever we talk about the 1981 Ashes series, Ian Botham is the first name that comes to everyone’s mind because of the vital runs he scored. He came to bat at number seven and smashed 149 runs, thereby giving England a lead of 130 runs. His crucial knock helped England win the match as Australia failed to chase the target.
3. The Freddie-Lee Moment
The 2005 Ashes series is renowned for the Freddie-Lee moment. It is because when Australia’s last wicket fell, Bret Lee fell to his knees on the ground since they needed two more runs to win. Immediately after this, Andrew Fintoff, an English player, consoled him by placing a hand on his shoulder. This moment became the critical highlight of that series, as well as in the media and newspapers.
4. The Great Escape
During the 2009 Ashes series, when England was at 233 for nine wickets, the Aussies needed only one wicket to win the match. However, the last English duo of James Anderson and Monty Panesar meticulously played for the next 40 minutes to draw the match.
5. Shane Warne’s 700th Test Wicket
The next iconic moment is when Shane Warne, one of the greatest Aussie bowlers, claimed his 700th Test wicket at the MCG. It was of Andrew Strauss.
6. Shane Warne’s Hat trick
Taking a hat trick in a limited-overs format of cricket is still easy; however, claiming a hat trick in a test match deserves applause. Therefore, during the 1994 Ashes series, when Shane Warne got three back-to-back wickets, it was an unusual and unbelievable sight in a test match.
7. Steve Smith’s Comeback
After the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, Steve Smith was highly rebuked and even removed from the position of captain. Besides, he had to face a ban from international cricket, which was like a blot on his spectacular career. However, after his return, he shut the mouths of his haters, especially the barmy army, after scoring a hundred during the 2019 Ashes at Edgbaston.
8. The Ball Of The Century
On the eighth spot is the most iconic moment in the history of the Ashes. It happened when Shane Warne, who had little experience back then, bowled out Mike Gatting, an English cricketer. Warne’s unbelievable bowling left everyone amazed.
9. Ashton Agar’s Debut
Next on the list is when Ashton Agar, an Aussie bowler, made his Test debut at 19. What is unique about this is that when the debutant came to bat, the Aussies were on 117/9; however, soon, he left everyone speechless by smashing 98 runs at Trent Bridge. Therefore, this 2013 ashes inning will indeed remain one of his most special cricket memories.
10. Peter Siddle’s Hat-trick
After Shane Warne’s hat-trick, Peter Siddle’s hat-trick is one of the most special hat-tricks in cricket, when he got three back-to-back wickets of Alastair Cook, Matt Prior, and Stuart Broad. It is because it came on his birthday.
