The other Ashes and Hussey's long wait
Cricinfo and Wisden writers select their best and worst moments from 2005
Jenny Thompson
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Best
Eighteen years without an Ashes series win - that's a long time. Now try 42. England's women finally did it at Worcester in September, and they came to the Trafalgar party, as well; jumping on the buses and then on to the stage with the men. Quite right, too. That victory crowned a great year for the women's game in which the IWCC merged with the ICC and players were paid - for the first time. Two giant leaps for womankind.
Eighteen years without an Ashes series win - that's a long time. Now try 42. England's women finally did it at Worcester in September, and they came to the Trafalgar party, as well; jumping on the buses and then on to the stage with the men. Quite right, too. That victory crowned a great year for the women's game in which the IWCC merged with the ICC and players were paid - for the first time. Two giant leaps for womankind.
Worst
Why did it have to end? The moment England won the Ashes was both zenith and nadir - and not just because I missed out on the Greatest Party Ever TM through having my Wisdom teeth out. No - all our Christmases came at once during a scorching summer of sustained and never-to-be-repeated Test drama; it was truly breathtaking stuff. But now what? Well, my mouth has healed but a kind of numbness lingers.
Why did it have to end? The moment England won the Ashes was both zenith and nadir - and not just because I missed out on the Greatest Party Ever TM through having my Wisdom teeth out. No - all our Christmases came at once during a scorching summer of sustained and never-to-be-repeated Test drama; it was truly breathtaking stuff. But now what? Well, my mouth has healed but a kind of numbness lingers.
Jenny Thompson is assistant editor of Cricinfo
George Binoy
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There's something very pleasing when years of hard work are met with just reward. Michael Hussey's elation at capping 176 first-class matches worth of effort with a century in his second Test was thoroughly heart-felt and a pleasure to watch. It had the joy of a little boy who'd made the team for the first time. Though, at 30, his career may not have the longevity to make him an all-time great, it's a safe bet that he'd never trade that century at Hobart for a 10-year career.
There's something very pleasing when years of hard work are met with just reward. Michael Hussey's elation at capping 176 first-class matches worth of effort with a century in his second Test was thoroughly heart-felt and a pleasure to watch. It had the joy of a little boy who'd made the team for the first time. Though, at 30, his career may not have the longevity to make him an all-time great, it's a safe bet that he'd never trade that century at Hobart for a 10-year career.
Worst
The individual is never greater than the game. Several cricketers have had their careers cut short by a few years for the greater common good, but sections of the 80,000-strong multitude at Kolkata behaved like dropping Sourav Ganguly was blasphemy. Loud cheers for South Africa, believed only by the utterly naïve to be a sporting gesture, were drowned by deafening jeers targeted at India. It was a disgraceful moment, and one that will most certainly rank as one of the worst moments in the careers of the players.
The individual is never greater than the game. Several cricketers have had their careers cut short by a few years for the greater common good, but sections of the 80,000-strong multitude at Kolkata behaved like dropping Sourav Ganguly was blasphemy. Loud cheers for South Africa, believed only by the utterly naïve to be a sporting gesture, were drowned by deafening jeers targeted at India. It was a disgraceful moment, and one that will most certainly rank as one of the worst moments in the careers of the players.
George Binoy is editorial assistant of Cricinfo
Peter English
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Best
Too many Shane Warne moments to pick from - he had 84 wickets for 2005 before the South Africa series - but his England efforts win by the distance of Hampshire's Rose Bowl from Southampton. He easily out-performed Andrew Flintoff with 40 wickets at 19.92 and 249 runs, but his recognition was diluted by being on the losing side. Didn't deserve the defeat - or the drop of Kevin Pietersen at The Oval - after his back, knee and shoulder-straining efforts, but there was no sulking, kicking, screaming or, thankfully, retiring when it happened. Kissing the wrist band given to him by his daughter Brooke when taking his 600th wicket at Old Trafford was moving and the huge legspinner to remove and confuse Andrew Strauss was beautifully brutal.
Too many Shane Warne moments to pick from - he had 84 wickets for 2005 before the South Africa series - but his England efforts win by the distance of Hampshire's Rose Bowl from Southampton. He easily out-performed Andrew Flintoff with 40 wickets at 19.92 and 249 runs, but his recognition was diluted by being on the losing side. Didn't deserve the defeat - or the drop of Kevin Pietersen at The Oval - after his back, knee and shoulder-straining efforts, but there was no sulking, kicking, screaming or, thankfully, retiring when it happened. Kissing the wrist band given to him by his daughter Brooke when taking his 600th wicket at Old Trafford was moving and the huge legspinner to remove and confuse Andrew Strauss was beautifully brutal.
Worst
The first two sessions at Lord's in July. Australia were dominated, the top three batsmen were struck, including Ricky Ponting's cheek being split by Steve Harmison, and they were all out before tea for 190. Nothing was done about the warning signs. Instead of recognising the problems caused by the brilliant opposition attack and devising strategies to counter them throughout the series, the performance was forgotten with Glenn McGrath's third-session of brilliance and the 239-run win. Many Australian players and supporters point out the narrowness of the Ashes loss to soften the defeat, but the costly misreading of England's bowlers was crucial to handing over the urn.
The first two sessions at Lord's in July. Australia were dominated, the top three batsmen were struck, including Ricky Ponting's cheek being split by Steve Harmison, and they were all out before tea for 190. Nothing was done about the warning signs. Instead of recognising the problems caused by the brilliant opposition attack and devising strategies to counter them throughout the series, the performance was forgotten with Glenn McGrath's third-session of brilliance and the 239-run win. Many Australian players and supporters point out the narrowness of the Ashes loss to soften the defeat, but the costly misreading of England's bowlers was crucial to handing over the urn.
Peter English is the Australasian editor of Cricinfo
Anil Nair
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Best
The born-again Shoaib Akhtar. Such calumny was heaped on him - Shoaib was a showboat, selfish, short of breath and a disruptive presence. But against England he demonstrated his staying power, his determination and, not least, his secret weapon. He turbocharged in over the same 30 yards, there was the usual copybook coiling of the shoulders and the astonishing amount of lean-back but, at the end of it, a 60mph delivery from the world's fastest bowler. It got into the nervous system of the England batsmen who had no way of knowing what was coming next: the Scud or, the equally cruel, Sidewinder.
The born-again Shoaib Akhtar. Such calumny was heaped on him - Shoaib was a showboat, selfish, short of breath and a disruptive presence. But against England he demonstrated his staying power, his determination and, not least, his secret weapon. He turbocharged in over the same 30 yards, there was the usual copybook coiling of the shoulders and the astonishing amount of lean-back but, at the end of it, a 60mph delivery from the world's fastest bowler. It got into the nervous system of the England batsmen who had no way of knowing what was coming next: the Scud or, the equally cruel, Sidewinder.
Worst
The Freudian Id and the man-behind-the-mask are long past their use by date. Still, Greg Chappell's finger gesture at Kolkata was an abomination, an unguarded moment that exposed a mean streak beneath the suave exterior. His credentials as a player and captain were that of a colossus. And from what we have seen of him so far it ought to be no different as a coach. His stern persona as much as his exhortations on excellence project him as the ultimate rational man, one sure of his authority. Which made it all the more shocking that he should respond in kind to dire provocation.
The Freudian Id and the man-behind-the-mask are long past their use by date. Still, Greg Chappell's finger gesture at Kolkata was an abomination, an unguarded moment that exposed a mean streak beneath the suave exterior. His credentials as a player and captain were that of a colossus. And from what we have seen of him so far it ought to be no different as a coach. His stern persona as much as his exhortations on excellence project him as the ultimate rational man, one sure of his authority. Which made it all the more shocking that he should respond in kind to dire provocation.
Anil Nair is managing editor of Cricinfo in India
Sambit Bal
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The Ashes was full of glorious moments, but the one that will stay with me took place minutes after the best match of the series was over. Chasing 282 to win at Edgbaston, Australia had looked dead at 175 for 8, but Brett Lee forged two stirring partnerships with Shane Warne and Michael Kasprowicz, getting his team within two runs, when Steve Harmison got Kasprowicz to glove to the wicketkeeper. After a soul-sapping session, it was a euphoric moment. But while England gathered in wild celebration, Flintoff turned to the vanquished who had fought as fiercely and as valiantly as him. The sight of Flintoff besides Lee, who sat hunched on the pitch, wrecked by that moment, added the perfect finishing touch to a match which was already classic.
The Ashes was full of glorious moments, but the one that will stay with me took place minutes after the best match of the series was over. Chasing 282 to win at Edgbaston, Australia had looked dead at 175 for 8, but Brett Lee forged two stirring partnerships with Shane Warne and Michael Kasprowicz, getting his team within two runs, when Steve Harmison got Kasprowicz to glove to the wicketkeeper. After a soul-sapping session, it was a euphoric moment. But while England gathered in wild celebration, Flintoff turned to the vanquished who had fought as fiercely and as valiantly as him. The sight of Flintoff besides Lee, who sat hunched on the pitch, wrecked by that moment, added the perfect finishing touch to a match which was already classic.
Worst
What can be worse than a man who has earned the right to be considered a sporting icon in his country to be forced in to hiding? Tatenda Taibu is a remarkable cricketer whose dignity and courage has kept Zimbabwe cricket alive in the face of unthinkable adversity. That he felt compelled to give up his international career robbed the Zimbabwe Cricket Union of the last trace of credibility. That he should have feared for his life should shame the world cricket community in to action.
What can be worse than a man who has earned the right to be considered a sporting icon in his country to be forced in to hiding? Tatenda Taibu is a remarkable cricketer whose dignity and courage has kept Zimbabwe cricket alive in the face of unthinkable adversity. That he felt compelled to give up his international career robbed the Zimbabwe Cricket Union of the last trace of credibility. That he should have feared for his life should shame the world cricket community in to action.
Sambit Bal is editor of Cricinfo and Cricinfo Magazine
Jamie Alter
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Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar raising his eyes to the heavens - in respect to his deceased father - after breaking Sunil Gavaskar's record of 34 Test centuries. That Tendulkar seized the record from a his guru and a fellow Mumbaikar, that the knock came after a six-month delay in action, that it set India up for a critical 188-run win over the touring Sri Lankans was secondary. The moment was the most humane seen on a cricket field this year; a compelling, emotional, and a pure moment of respect so often forgotten on the battle field that is cricket these days. Tendulkar had reached a pinnacle and to see that his thoughts were with the man who guided him brought a tear to the eye.
Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar raising his eyes to the heavens - in respect to his deceased father - after breaking Sunil Gavaskar's record of 34 Test centuries. That Tendulkar seized the record from a his guru and a fellow Mumbaikar, that the knock came after a six-month delay in action, that it set India up for a critical 188-run win over the touring Sri Lankans was secondary. The moment was the most humane seen on a cricket field this year; a compelling, emotional, and a pure moment of respect so often forgotten on the battle field that is cricket these days. Tendulkar had reached a pinnacle and to see that his thoughts were with the man who guided him brought a tear to the eye.
Worst
New coach, new players, new season, new hope - same damning story. India's loss to New Zealand in the final of the Videocon Cup at Harare in September left a bad aftertaste in the mouth for the way in which the age-old chokers stuck to the same script. Sure, they scored 276, a total which can guarantee a side a win in most cases. But did anyone see how the many runs the last 10 overs produced? Yes, Nathan Astle played a gem of an innings, one that would make most batsmen proud. But there was little fight, less bite, and zero class in the way India bowled.
New coach, new players, new season, new hope - same damning story. India's loss to New Zealand in the final of the Videocon Cup at Harare in September left a bad aftertaste in the mouth for the way in which the age-old chokers stuck to the same script. Sure, they scored 276, a total which can guarantee a side a win in most cases. But did anyone see how the many runs the last 10 overs produced? Yes, Nathan Astle played a gem of an innings, one that would make most batsmen proud. But there was little fight, less bite, and zero class in the way India bowled.
Jamie Alter is editorial assistant of Cricinfo
Martin Williamson
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Ashes aside, a warm summer's evening at Lord's in June when almost 30,000 turned up to watch a Twenty20 county match between Middlesex and Surrey. It showed that if you get the product right, then cricket can still draw huge crowds. The commercial success of the short-format game - three hours of crash, bang, wallop - was repeated almost everywhere, even in Pakistan where domestic cricket has never attracted more than a smattering of spectators.
Ashes aside, a warm summer's evening at Lord's in June when almost 30,000 turned up to watch a Twenty20 county match between Middlesex and Surrey. It showed that if you get the product right, then cricket can still draw huge crowds. The commercial success of the short-format game - three hours of crash, bang, wallop - was repeated almost everywhere, even in Pakistan where domestic cricket has never attracted more than a smattering of spectators.
Worst
Zimbabwe. No doubt. Players have been intimidated and, to use their words, bullied by officialdom, nor have they been paid. The game has been grossly mismanaged, the accounts have more holes in them than a string vest, and local officials have been allowed to discriminate and persecute without censure. But worse than that has been the way the ICC has unashamedly refused to listen to the pleas of those battling inside Zimbabwe to save the game and pretended it is a local issue. It might be, but it is one we should all be ashamed of; and the guardians of cricket's spirit in Dubai more than most.
Zimbabwe. No doubt. Players have been intimidated and, to use their words, bullied by officialdom, nor have they been paid. The game has been grossly mismanaged, the accounts have more holes in them than a string vest, and local officials have been allowed to discriminate and persecute without censure. But worse than that has been the way the ICC has unashamedly refused to listen to the pleas of those battling inside Zimbabwe to save the game and pretended it is a local issue. It might be, but it is one we should all be ashamed of; and the guardians of cricket's spirit in Dubai more than most.
Martin Williamson is managing editor of Cricinfo
Vaneisa Baksh
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The awesome record of Brian Lara's accomplishments has run parallel to an equally awful team record of defeats, so that his personal triumphs never carried the transformational edge that would have added reflective lustre. Still he remained aglow and conjured another unforgettable innings of 226, at Adelaide, as he became the highest Test run scorer. Enough signs had been posted in that Australia series to foretell an historical innings. Sensing the familiar pattern, I remained riveted, imperiously dismissing flawed umpiring, never fearful of a mistimed shot, faithful to the end that this was a day of reckoning. And so it came to pass.
The awesome record of Brian Lara's accomplishments has run parallel to an equally awful team record of defeats, so that his personal triumphs never carried the transformational edge that would have added reflective lustre. Still he remained aglow and conjured another unforgettable innings of 226, at Adelaide, as he became the highest Test run scorer. Enough signs had been posted in that Australia series to foretell an historical innings. Sensing the familiar pattern, I remained riveted, imperiously dismissing flawed umpiring, never fearful of a mistimed shot, faithful to the end that this was a day of reckoning. And so it came to pass.
Worst
The West Indies team has become a young one with much learning ahead, and that gives cause for optimism. The administrators of West Indies cricket are not young in the business but seem unable to learn as they continue to undermine the game's development. Dragging contract disputes onto the field before every match for years now, they've mismanaged to the core, making Shivnarine Chanderpaul a captain by default and expecting him to lead a team on whose side he did not stand in negotiations. Any leader would be hard pressed to manage under such circumstances, and Chanderpaul atrophied under the pressure, but given its history, this might well be the kind of leadership the WICB prefers.
The West Indies team has become a young one with much learning ahead, and that gives cause for optimism. The administrators of West Indies cricket are not young in the business but seem unable to learn as they continue to undermine the game's development. Dragging contract disputes onto the field before every match for years now, they've mismanaged to the core, making Shivnarine Chanderpaul a captain by default and expecting him to lead a team on whose side he did not stand in negotiations. Any leader would be hard pressed to manage under such circumstances, and Chanderpaul atrophied under the pressure, but given its history, this might well be the kind of leadership the WICB prefers.
Vaneisa Baksh is a freelance journalist based in Trinidad
Two Shanes - a champion and a comeback
John Stern
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Best
The look on Shane Warne's face as he prepared to bowl the final over of England's three-wicket win in the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. As he spun the ball from hand to hand, his grin betrayed the relish of a real competitor. Australia were poised to go 2-1 down but how he loved the fight and the challenge. He took the relentless barracking from Pommie fans with remarkably good cheer and simply came back for more. While other Aussies whinged and excused their Ashes defeat, Warne paid due respect to his opponents and to the game itself. He is quite simply a true champion.
The look on Shane Warne's face as he prepared to bowl the final over of England's three-wicket win in the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. As he spun the ball from hand to hand, his grin betrayed the relish of a real competitor. Australia were poised to go 2-1 down but how he loved the fight and the challenge. He took the relentless barracking from Pommie fans with remarkably good cheer and simply came back for more. While other Aussies whinged and excused their Ashes defeat, Warne paid due respect to his opponents and to the game itself. He is quite simply a true champion.
Worst
The ICC's pronouncements. You cannot tell players how to behave and what spectators can and can't drink at a match while ignoring the implosion of Zimbabwe cricket.
The ICC's pronouncements. You cannot tell players how to behave and what spectators can and can't drink at a match while ignoring the implosion of Zimbabwe cricket.
John Stern is editor of The Wisden Cricketer
Dylan Cleaver
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In the great scheme of things it hardly rated a mention alongside the heroic deeds of Andrew Flintoff et al, but Shane Bond's successful comeback was a great against-the-odds story. Bond's career has been blighted by stress fractures to his back, the bane of fast bowlers' lives. Once more he defied the doomsayers to come back and bowl above 150km/h. A sight for New Zealand's collective sore eyes.
In the great scheme of things it hardly rated a mention alongside the heroic deeds of Andrew Flintoff et al, but Shane Bond's successful comeback was a great against-the-odds story. Bond's career has been blighted by stress fractures to his back, the bane of fast bowlers' lives. Once more he defied the doomsayers to come back and bowl above 150km/h. A sight for New Zealand's collective sore eyes.
Worst
The fact he made his comeback on an awful tour of Zimbabwe where the term 'Test cricket', was stretched to its limit. Not only did the cricket range between poor and awful, but New Zealand Cricket took a hammering at home from the public and government, despite being put in an impossible position by the ICC's insistence of its future tours programme being fulfilled. Mind you, it would have been nice if the players offered an opinion on the subject rather than parroting that mindless mantra of "we're just here for the cricket".
The fact he made his comeback on an awful tour of Zimbabwe where the term 'Test cricket', was stretched to its limit. Not only did the cricket range between poor and awful, but New Zealand Cricket took a hammering at home from the public and government, despite being put in an impossible position by the ICC's insistence of its future tours programme being fulfilled. Mind you, it would have been nice if the players offered an opinion on the subject rather than parroting that mindless mantra of "we're just here for the cricket".
Dylan Cleaver is senior sports writer of Herald on Sunday, New Zealand