The Ashes 2010/11 - How's it been for you so far?

 
Two tests gone and for England supporters at least, it has already been a memorable series. Here's what we've particularly enjoyed about the series so far at the Reverse Sweep:

Australia’s passable impersonation of the England team of the early 1990s

Confused chop and change selection policy? Check. Insipid bowling? Check. Dropped catches? Check. Venomous media? Check. Players plucked from and sent back to obscurity in the blink of an eye? Check. Innings defeats? Check. Heavy Ashes series defeat at home? Probably.

Being proved wrong

Prior to the series we suggested that Mike Hussey looked ‘shot as a test batsman’, James Anderson would struggle on Australian wickets and that Alastair Cook was the weak link in England’s top six -which just goes to show what we know. Little did we know that Hussey had a drink infused with kryptonite in the last chance saloon and that Cook was actually the second coming of English batting God Wally Hammond. We should have guessed the latter as after all Cook was born on Christmas Day.

Being proved right occasionally too

We’ve been saying for a while that this Australian team is there for the taking – although we didn’t quite expect what has happened over the last seven days of cricket. We also suggested that Kevin Pietersen would score a hundred in Adelaide and that Graeme Swann would shine. So, at least not all of our predictions were wrong.

Ponting’s laudable honesty

Unlike it seems most England supporters, we actually like Ricky Ponting. An all-time great like him deserves better than having to captain this motley crew. Our respect for him has risen because of his honesty after Brisbane and especially Adelaide, where he admitted that Australia had been “out-batted, out-bowled and out-fielded” and didn’t hide from criticising certain players like Doug Bollinger.

Two pricks at the Ashes

The daily close of play round-up from Cricket With Balls' Jarrod and the Wisden Cricketer’s Sam has become must see viewing. Amusing, irreverent and mercifully succinct. Keep up the good work chaps. Oh and has anyone ever seen Jarrod without a hat on? See the most recent Two pricks here.

Test Match Sofa & Sky Sports

Our first welcome surprise was that Sky was providing full coverage of the series, which meant that we didn’t have to contend with the atrocious advertisement filled Channel 9 coverage. Add in the mute button on the remote control and Test Match Sofa on the laptop and it almost makes being up in the early hours a pleasant experience.

England’s record breakers

In just two tests, England’s batsmen have broken more records than a pious Radio 1 DJ. Record partnerships, high scores and a ritual spanking of the Australian bowlers. After 20 years of being on the receiving end of hammering after hammering by the Australians, it is wonderful to see the shoe is on the other foot this time. Unless the Aussies do a Lazarus, a 3-0 or 4-0 series win is not out of the question.

Graeme Swann’s video diary

Once again Swann proves that a career in television is on the offing when he retires from cricket. Phil Tufnell, you've got nothing on this - see Swanny’s video diary - and Swann is a a better spinner than you ever were.

Doug's Rug

There have been plenty of comments about the rug, which combined with Bollinger's dreadful display at Adelaide where he lost his fizz quicker than a cheap bottle of uncorked champagne has made the mickey-taking all the more hilarious. Surprisingly, Jonathan Trott probably came up with the best sledge, when after Dougy tried to get into his face mocked "keep your hair on". Priceless.

Where next?

Read all the latest from our Ashes 2010/11 coverage

1st Test: England marks out of 10, Australia marks out of 10

2nd Test: England marks out of 10, Australia marks out of 10

Check out all our Reverse Sweep heroes and zeroes

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Comments

[Pangloss]

Any word from KP? Surely he can't be spending all his time driving, being our best bowler and scoring double centuries instead of writing his diary?

[gajidu]

If you look at footage of Ponting closely, EVERY BALL he is saying "watch the ball, watch the ball" to himself as he takes strike. I've also seen Michael 'chuck-a-sickie' Clarke do this...

[The Reverse Sweep]

Thanks gagidu - its a shame for Punter that he isnt watching it very well at the moment!

[The Reverse Sweep]

Well spotted Pangloss. KP has been rather quiet recently. But his latest entry is on the way today.