Ashes appetisers ... and a painted donkey

Nov 13, 2006

After missing the Champions Trophy because of an ICC ban, Inzamam-ul-Haq is back at the helm for the home series against West Indies. Pakistan will be relieved to have his calm demeanour in the dressing-room after a tumultuous few weeks•AFP

Fuelled by the outrage in the Indian media, the public made no bones about what they thought of Martyn. Australia were described 'rude and arrogant' by the Indian media. Dilip Vengsarkar, India's chief selector, said 'You expect such behaviour from uneducated people. If they wanted to pose for photographs, they could have politely requested him. This is appalling.' Even Sachin Tendulkar came down hard on the Aussies•AFP

And this is whom they are up against. Come November 23, with the wounds of last year still smarting, Australia will come out firing and this time with home support•AFP

These fans have one thing going for them undying hope. Sourav Ganguly scored a century against North Zone in the Duleep Trophy. Sure enough the placards were out again championing Gangulys cause and calling for Greg Chappells head how much longer can they go on?•AFP

Off you go Mr. President. Thats how the Indian media and cricket officials perceived Damien Martyns action as he gently pushed Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, off the dais after Australia won the Champions Trophy. And all for a team photograph. Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn both issued apologies and assured that they had not meant any offence•AFP

Brian Lara maybe 37 but hes still scampering through an obstacle course with youthful zest. After a satisfying Champions Trophy campaign, West Indies travelled to Pakistan for a three-Test series•AFP

England reaffirmed their stance against racism and looked dead serious about it in this photo at the SCG. There was much ado about racist taunts and Australian crowds during South Africas tour in 2005-06•AFP

The real thing the original Ashes urn was taken to Australia for an exhibition ahead of what Andrew Flintoff believed a series that had the potential to claim the title of greatest series ever from the 2005 edition. If the two chaps standing beside the urn have it their way, it certainly wont be as great for Freddie and gang•Getty Images

Will this bunch defy the odds again and retain the Ashes? A victory in enemy territory could be more fulfilling than the greatest series ever in 2005. Englands hopes are pinned on this group of 16•AFP

Graeme Smith believed that Monty Panesar would face an 'unbelievable amount of abuse'. Smith and some of his team-mates even shivered at the prospect of what Panesar could be in for. But Panesar hasnt come unprepared; he visited a psychologist to deal with the rigours of playing in Australia before leaving the safety of home shores•AFP

Englands Ashes tour got off to disastrous start against the Prime Ministers XI at Canberra. Phil Jaques and co. plundered 347 from 50 overs and then routed England for 181. Flintoff, was bowled by Shaun Tait for 1. Andrew Strausss run-a-ball 67 was their only positive outcome•Getty Images