- Cricket connoisseurs, experts, ex-players, and fans of the sport would have noticed that the once hallowed Test series between Australia and England – termed as the Ashes for historical reasons – has gradually lost its sheen over the last few years for various reasons. Agreed, the marquee series between the two oldest rivals used to evoke awe, admiration, passion, following, and craze among true lovers of cricket, not so long ago. Some of the acclaimed cricketers from both countries have not only enhanced the reach of the much-loved sport wide and far but also have contributed to ensuring the youngsters take to the sport in great numbers. The mere mention of Ashes used to conjure up remarkable memories for true cricket lovers. Not any longer, though.
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- While Team Australia over the decades has consistently maintained its supremacy in all formats of the game, especially Test cricket, the same cannot be said about Team England, who seem to be struggling to live up to the expectations. Mind you, the Ashes Test series between the two used to generate huge interest among the patrons across the cricket-playing world. The keenly contested Tests, where quality battle between the bat and the ball used to be a treat has largely become a one-sided affair with Team Australia most often succeeding in overcoming whatever challenges are thrown at it by Team England. The ongoing five-Test match Ashes series Down Under has already won by Australia within 11 days of playing. 3-0 is the scoreline.
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- Team Australia has won the first three Tests in the series, retaining the Ashes well before the conclusion of the much-hyped contest. So complete has been the domination of Australians in the series that, without the full-strength team, the home team has successfully overcome the visitors’ challenge in no time. Tests concluding in 2 and 3 days denote how ruthless, professional, and dominant Team Australia has been in home conditions. Most visiting teams find it extremely tough to overcome the home team in familiar conditions. Recollect how Team India has proved to be up to the task in twice subduing the home team to win the series convincingly. Due credit should go to Team India here, though they lost the last series while visiting Australia.
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- Unfortunately, for all its bravado and attacking play, bazzball has failed to come to the aid of Team England and was brutally exposed by the merciless and marauding Australians, who were always aiming for the jugular. The scoreline reads 3-0 in favour of the home team. The next two Tests will be played for pride by the visitors. Make no mistake, Australia will be looking at whitewashing with all its might. The moot point to ponder over here is whether the most hyped clash between these two teams has lost its charm because of the one-sided contests where England is not up to the mark at all. Absolutely, without an iota of doubt. Team England must go back to the boardroom to conjure up ways and means to overcome Team Australia. Not impossible, though.
