The Ashes has something for everyone

Jonathan Freedland is not much of a cricket fan. But the thrill of the Ashes has him furiously browsing his Blackberry to check on the latest score while on holiday in France. In the Guardian, Freedland writes about what got him hooked on to the game.

It is a thoroughly absorbing, long-haul clash. While a Manchester United encounter with Chelsea might be all over in 90 minutes, England's business with Australia takes all summer, in what should be 25 full days of combat (fewer if it rains or if the home side collapses).

That leaves enough time for frequent and compelling reverses of fortune. Australia might dominate in one session, racking up the runs before lunch, only to give way to England in the next, conceding a clutch of wickets before tea. The rhythms of the game are like life itself, only more so: the gods smile on you one moment, only to frown the next.

Marcus Trescothick may be in excellent domestic form and even played a vital part in the 2005 Ashes victory. But Michael Henderson, in the Daily Telegraph, thinks that Trescothick's health is more important than an Ashes victory.