Australia won the Ashes over England with a 5-0 whitewash. The last time that an Ashes series was a whitewash was Warwick Armstrong's 1920-21 post-World War 1 test team. England was decimated by Australia then, as today. Even Bradman’s Invincibles (Post World War 2: 1946-7) drew one of their tests against England.
Of course, cricket history is something Michael Jensen can tell us about...
MPJ?
13 comments:
summer in oz = cricket. it should be no other way! R (i have kept posting on that previous post J)
well, you gotta give me somethink to work with Jud!
We could ask to what extent sport is a mirror of society of course. The Aussies are so keen - almost too keen - to win. It almost matters too much to us, doesn't it?
The English on the other hand prefer to be gloomy. They were almost caught by surprise when they won last year. Normal service has been resumed.
Mike -- I was thinking you'd tell us something about Armstrong and the 1920-21 team. :)
Bit of history...
Is the 1920-21 team, or for that matter, the Invinceables comparable to this team?
Well, I did see the 20-21 line-up listed recently. They had a very strong top order but it was their fast bowling duo Gregory and Macdonald who did the damage supported by Arthur Mailey the leg-spinner.
The English team were no mugs either: Hobbs, Rhodes and several other greats. But they say that the war years had taken their toll. Fair 'nuff.
The 48 side had Bradman of course; and a great opening pair in Barnes and Morris. They also had pace to BURN. Not so hot on spin, but then, the new ball was available after 55 overs in 48 so, who needed spinners?
Miller was brutal, Lindwall devastating. I think the trouble with rating our team is the fact that opposition was so weak.
Not so hot on spin, but then, the new ball was available after 55 overs in 48 so, who needed spinners?
Thats what I'm talkin' about Jensen. You know your stuff.
Thats why we like you...
:)
yes, no need for reverse swing back then! Can you imagine, Lindwall has barely wiped the sweat off his brow when they give him another shiny red cherry.
The 48 team was famous also for scoring 700+ runs all out in ONE DAY in a county match against Essex. Keith Miller got a duck. And went to the races instead (so they say).
Of course, I am enjoying this victory because I am still bitter about 78-9 (we lost 5-1) and also 1981, when we shoulda won but lost. And 1985: that hurt.
justin, can you back to that other post and answer another question for me? ta
Speaking of weak opposition ... about 60 English first class cricketers died in WWI. Their stocks were severely depleted for the 20/21 series.
They had no such excuses this time around!
Hi Justin. How is the new year shaping up?
Andrew was fortunate enough to go to the 4th day of play of the 5th test. he was over the moon.
The new ball may well have been available after 55 overs back then, but were they not 8 ball overs?
No, not in England. 8- ball overs were an Aussie thing until about 1979.
1920-21 was in Australia, MPJ. Have I missed something...
Yes, you have. The 55 over new ball rule was in 1948 in England.
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