Cricket has a special place in the hearts of many people, especially from England, with its rich history and moments that defined England’s dominance over cricket. From winning the 2019 World Cup to a resounding comeback against Australia in Ashes 2005, we look at the Top 10 Iconic Moments in English Cricket.
1. The Bodyline Series (1932-33)
The Bodyline Series is infamous for many reasons. One such reason is the controversial tactics used by English bowlers against Aussie batters, including bowling above the head so that the batters would not reach the ball, and bowling bouncers, aimed at critical parts of the body. This series caused a major uproar in cricket and introduced changes in cricket rules.
2. Miracle Of Headingley (1981)
In the third test of the Ashes Series at Headingley, England followed on after getting out for 183 runs in the first inning. However, English all-rounder Ian Botham struck a brilliant 149 not-out, with opener Graham Gooch helping England to chase down the target of 130 runs in the final inning.
3. England’s World Cup Win
England’s first World Cup victory is forever present in cricketing history. The 2019 World Cup final was played against New Zealand, which ended in a tie. The match proceeded then to super over, which was tied by a brilliant performance by the Kiwis. However, due to boundaries rule, English fans celebrated their first World Cup win.
4. Ashes Series 2005
The Ashes Series win of 2005 remains as England’s greatest achievement, as they beat a prime Australian team filled with World cup veterans. England team, led by Michael Vaughan, who was just in his 3rd Ashes Series, won over Australia 2-1 to reclaim the Ashes. The series had twists, turns, and comebacks and was a thrill to watch for all cricket fans.
5. England Tour Of Australia (1932-33)
During the Bodyline series, the most infamous tour was the England tour of Australia, which was mired with controversies and created tensions between both countries. It all got to such an extent that both English and Australian fans argue about it even now. The tour led to restrictions and rules introduced in cricket over bowling and batting.
6. The Oval Test Of 2005
The Oval Test was the most important test match of the Ashes 2005 test series. This match showed the brilliance of Kevin Pietersen, debuting in the test match. He faced Brett Lee, Shane Warne, and Glen McGrath and scored 58 runs in the first innings. Then, with 348 runs trailing, Pietersen scored a brilliant 158 to help England win the Test match by two runs by brilliant bowling from the England pace line-up.
7. Birth Of ODI (1971)
ODI was first between England and Australia in 1971. The match marked the beginning of a new era in cricket, with the limited-overs format gaining immense popularity worldwide.
8. Flintoff’s Heroics In The Ashes 2005
Andrew Flintoff was crucial in England winning the Ashes 2005 series 2-1. Flintoff was like a superhero for England, with bat and ball. His all-round brilliance, which included a five-wicket spell, was crucial to England’s victory in the test.
9. Bob Willis In Botham’s Ashes (1981)
The 1981 Ashes Test series is known as Botham’s Ashes because of Ian Botham’s all-round performance in the series. There was another iconic player in the England squad, Bob Willis. Willis, in the fourth test, bowled a match-winning spell picking eight wickets and bowling out Australia for 111 runs.
10. The Ashes Urn
The Ashes urn, represents the cricketing rivalry between England and Australia and is a recognizable trophy in cricket. Ashes Urn holds the ashes of a burnt cricket bail and is the trophy for the Ashes series between the two countries.
