The ultimate showdown

Nothing compares to the Ashes, says Mike Selvey in the Guardian. The Border-Gavaskar trophy between India and Australia may come close, but it has to settle for second best in the battle for the ultimate contest. What makes the Ashes special is the memories it evokes, be it Merv Hughes' mustache or 90,000 fans at the MCG.

The build up. Glenn McGrath's predictions, Shane Warne's mischievous teasing, the mental disintegration that was Steve Waugh's watchword, batsmen "targeted", the war of words, England keeping their counsel. Then the expectation of the opening day, all-too-often the tone set for the series in the first exchanges: Michael Slater's withering square cut at the Gabba, the twin English groans of disbelief there as Nasser Hussain blundered with the toss and Steve Harmison tried to knee cap his own mate at second slip in the following series. But there was Harmison four years ago hitting Justin Langer. "These blokes mean business," said the batsman as he received treatment for his bruised arm.