The ghost of 2005 hangs over the Ashes series between England and Australia. The media and fans keep recalling the ‘greatest ever series’ and draw parallels with today.
- There are some interesting parallels. Australia’s premier strike bowler (Brett Lee) was injured on the eve of the first Test just like Glen McGrath was on the eve of the Edgbaston Test.
- Panesar and Anderson’s last wicket stand in Cardiff was reminiscent of Australia’s last wicket stand to draw the Test at Old Trafford.
- England’s first wicket stand yesterday was similar to Trescothick and Strauss’ at Edgbaston and, indeed, the scoring rate for the whole day was pretty similar.
- And of course, Ricky Ponting’s increasingly frequent Gary Pratt moments
I can understand the temptation. The summer of 2005 was the best of my life. I don’t think it will ever be surpassed (married 2007, fatherhood, 2008). There was Istanbul, Edgbaston, Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, the Oval and the agony of Gerrard leaving to Gerrard staying.
But it is a huge mistake for a number of reasons. I learnt this the hard way in Athens as Liverpool reached the champions league final in 2007. We turned up expecting to win. When we went one nil down at half time, we sang YNWA to recreate those stories of Istanbul. When we went 2-0 I still thought we won and briefly, when Kuyt pulled one back, I thought we’d do it again.
- Looking back devalues the achievement of now. Repeating the achievements of previous years is a far greater achievement in sport than it is doing it for the first time.
- The novelty of 2005 was that it was unexpected. England hadn’t won the Ashes in England for a generation. Likening ’09 to ’05 will just mean that winning it again won’t feel as special.
- 2005 was special because of the innocence of the new; the unexpectedness of it. Anticipating that same sensation misses the specialness of now.
2005 was special. 2009 can also be special. And if we win the Ashes it will be a greater achievement. But it will only feel better if we ignore the ghost of 2005.
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Tags: BBC Sport, Test Match Special, the Ashes