Ashes Test proves a point

T20 may still represent an exciting entry-level to the game of cricket, but the first round of the Ashes at Trent Bridge proved that Test cricket is the pinnacle for those willing to watch the ebbs and flows of this great sport as first one side, then the other, seized the initiative.

This Nottingham opener exceeded all expectations, producing a plethora of surprises, questionable decisions and controversy. Over five days it produced drama to excite not just the purist but even those with just a passing interest in the game.

Australia’s new coach, Darren Lehman, sprung the first surprise of the Ashes. Previously, while managing the Australian A team on a tour of England that coincides with the visit of the senior team, he had invited a 19-year-old spinner who had been receiving rave reviews while playing for a village team in Henly. Having successfully scored three 50s for the feeder-team, Lehman promoted Ashton Agar into the senior side, along with another beneficiary, Steve Smith.

While originally selected as a bowler, Agar made his name on the second morning.  After 14 wickets fell under cloudy skies on the first day, and another five fell in 25 game-changing minutes after England had gained the initiative, the young debutant waved his willow like a wand. 

England’s bowlers had no answer as he smashed the ball to all parts of the ground, as his eager parents watched on, showing no signs of the jet-lag from which they must have been suffering, having only found out days before of their son’s inclusion.

Records tumbled as quickly as England’s morale. On 46 he became the highest scoring debutant batting at No. 11 while helping his partner claiming records for the largest partnership. Agar, with a century in sight, then claimed the record for the largest score ever by a No. 11. The ton he so richly deserved (ignoring the contentious ‘stumping’ that never was while he was on six runs) loomed in sight.
 
Even ardent England fans in one of Test cricket’s favourite grounds were willing him to score two more runs. Yet, he allowed himself to get drawn into changing his game plan and fell for the bait as his pull was caught by Swann.
A shrug of the shoulders and mouthed apology to his family in the friendly crowd tells of a humble demeanour that should serve him well with plaudits sure to follow.
 
His parents were happy to provide some background on the unknown player thrust into the limelight, also forewarning that he has two younger brothers who could also make the breakthrough in years to come – the next Chappell trilogy?

With Australia in the ascendency in a low-scoring game, the main talking points of this match were to unfold. Root, opening the batting, was adjudged out, caught behind. Clearly unhappy with the decision, he approached his batting partner and captain, Alastair Cook, asking to refer the decision. Cook declined. As Root was taking off his pads in the dressing room television replays suggested the decision was erroneous. As this was being replayed, Trott arrived at the crease, only to be struck firmly on his front pad directly in front of the wicket. 

While the original decision was not out, this was overturned on the Australian appeal as the review equipment had not been re-set. Despite Trott clearly having hit the ball, he was forced to return to the pavilion. Lessons to be learned by the TV companies that, having paid for the technology, they are there to serve the game and not the viewer.

If you had not heard of a DRS featuring a third umpire review of the ‘snickometer’ and ‘hotspot’ you will have done after this game!

Some wags unfairly suggested that the third umpire for this match must have been Stevie Wonder while others lay reference to the ‘Specsavers Blimp’ being used as the umpire’s changing room.

As the controversy raged the following day, yet more drama unfolded as Broad nicked one behind, only to be given not out. Australia had used their two reviews and had no more available. They were clearly incensed and perhaps fortunate to avoid later censor. Yet they only have themselves to blame, as Clarke later reflected. This was one error from the umpire although Australia had made two in incorrectly appealing earlier correct umpire decisions.

Should Broad have walked?  I’m ‘old school’ and believe that he should, although it is frankly rare to find any batsman that does in the modern high-pressure cauldron professional cricket.  The last I can remember doing so is Adam Gilchrist, although Dhoni claims to walk against every team except Australia! 

Clarke can have no complaints, having stood still at the crease having hit one to Bell at short-leg in Adelaide on the last tour – the only difference was that England were able to make a successful review.

It was fitting that the match should end on another referral.

The initial appeal for caught behind was unconvincing with few surprised that the much-maligned umpire’s verdict was not out. With nothing to lose England, having used their earlier referrals judiciously, appealed, celebrating in the middle when they saw the glow on the ball illuminated by hotspot.

Hopefully, it will be the twists and turns of this match along with the stand-out individual performances from Agar and Haddin, Anderson and Bell that will live longest in the memory, for this wonderful advertisement for the game deserves more than being known for controversy.

The unearthing of a new star in Agar brings the two sides even closer together as a winning margin of 14 runs suggests. Australia has shown that their tail is capable of wagging while England’s looks vulnerable. As Clarke commented in his post-match interviews, he doesn’t mind where the runs come from as long as they are put on the board.

Much has been made in the past of India’s unwillingness to adopt all referral mechanisms at their disposal. Despite the criticism the system has received, both captains were quick to defend the umpires and praise the technology available.

Clarke also poignantly accepted that, rather than it being the referral system that needs improving, it is actually his use of referrals that could ‘do with some work’. In many respects this was the difference between the sides.

Yet, amidst the controversies, it is refreshing to see opposing fans basking in the warmth of the Trent Bridge hospitality together, openly exchanging views and friendly banter.

Even the captains were quick to praise their opponents and highlight strengths. As the amber-nectar flowed in the stands, one question remained – are we really heading towards a cordial Ashes series? I doubt it!