Ashes series are always special but when there's more attention on it, it becomes more special. A first five day women's test match since 1992 was the cherry on top for what is to be the most attended women's Ashes series ever. Sometimes, thinking about what makes Ashes tests so special, aside from the cricket, makes you appreciate it even more.
The hustle and stress of a busy city centre on a hot day gets left behind as the walk to Trent Bridge starts. The further out of the city you get, the quieter it gets but the more the anticipation builds. Emerging out of a nearby street, you can see a floodlight poking out between trees.
As you walk across the river, you can see Nottingham Forest FC on you left but straight ahead is the top of the scoreboard next to the Smith Cooper Stand, you’re nearly there. The streets are quiet, there’s no noise coming from the ground. Perhaps, an occasional sound of workers moving equipment, setting up food stands.
Then you arrive, the unmissable sign with Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alana King in the pristine cricket whites in the middle of a duel on the field. The realisation that this is the trip you will make for the next five days – there’s no feeling like it. It’s the night before the Test Match.
For a lucky few it’s the excitement that this is your life for the next five days. An oasis from the outside world. Other’s it’s the reassurance that there will be a constant for the next five days ready to entertain, relax, provide respite or be a talking point.
The day before, the anticipation builds further. The captains get their last word in before the game – both optimistic and giving respect to the other side. Topics of conversation involve the record 80,000 tickets sold, admiration for interest in women’s sport in England, selection decisions and of course, playing the rarity that is multi-day cricket.
As usual, England tried to make their mark with an aggressive line up and the emphasis on a fearless brand of cricket instilled by Head Coach, Jon Lewis. Of course, the Aussies weren’t going to be phased at all by this. Australia decides not to reveal their XI. They sit in the knowledge that they are one of the greatest sporting teams of all time. Fearless cricket? That’s what the Aussies do on autopilot.
Pain isn’t new to the English, it’s expected and it’s always the hope that kills you. But, it’s also the hope that makes the series so good. It’s the hope that makes you think – we could do this – when realistically, Australia are only one wicket down and they’ve scored a pile of runs. If the hope wasn’t there, there would be no point.
There’s nothing quite like the Ashes. Naturally it conforms to the checklist of all the expected things at the cricket: a middle-aged man having an annoyingly loud conversation on the phone right next to you, rain delays, the sinking of the heart when your best batter is out, more rain delays and the sunburn.
But the Ashes have the added zest. These lovely, kind people who happen to be the opponents, suddenly become the enemy regardless of how much of a good person they are. At the end of the day though, you acknowledge the talent displayed, realising – yeah, I couldn’t do that.
So enjoy the overpriced stadium food, pack your scotch eggs and pork pies. Make sure some quality salt and vinegar crisps are in you bag. Maybe bring a score card, or some non-cricket friends. Sit in your seat or listen to Test Match Special while cleaning the bathroom and have the moment when you think: this is why I love cricket.
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