The Ashes 2015 – Lord’s Test: call for writers (and call to re-visit 1909)

The 2nd Test starts on Thursday.
We were treated to wonderful and varied and sustained match stories of the Cardiff Test. Let’s carry on the collective to Lord’s.
To ensure all days are covered, we’ll again maintain a small non-binding register here. Please let us know which days you’re keen to cover. Any stories are always welcome. The more the merrier.
Day 1, Thursday 16 July: Citrus Bob Utber & DJ ER Wilson
Day 2, Friday 17 July: CB Utber &
Day 3, Saturday 18 July: Paddy Grindlay & CB Utber &
Day 4, Sunday 19 July: D Smokie D & CB Utber &
Day 5, Monday 20 July: CB Utber &
Floaters: J Butler

For those looking for precedent or inclined to panic, the Australian cricket team in England in 1909 played 37 first-class matches including 5 Tests. Australia was captained by Monty Noble. England’s captain in the first three Tests was Frederick Fane. He was replaced by Arthur Jones in the last two Tests.

England won the First Test by 10 wickets, at Edgbaston.
Australia won the Second Test by 9 wickets, at Lord’s.
The Second Test in 2015 will be held at Lord’s.
In 1909 Australia went on to win the series 2-1.

1909
1st Test
Australia 74 (C Blyth 6/44, GH Hirst 4/28)
England 121 (WW Armstrong 5/27)
Australia 151 (C Blyth 5/58, GH Hirst 5/58)
England 0/105 (JB Hobbs 62*)

2nd Test
England 269 (JH King 60, A Cotter 4/80)
Australia 350 (VS Ransford 143, AE Reif 5/85)
England 121 (WW Armstrong 6/35)
Australia 1/41

What changed?
GH Hirst looks to have been unavailable for England in the 2nd Test.
A Cotter was not bowled in the 1st Test, but took wickets in the 2nd.
VS Ransford made a ton at Lord’s after innings of 1 and 43 in the 1st Test.
The 2015 equivalents would be:
The unavailability of JM Anderson.
SPD Smith taking 4 wickets at Lord’s.
DA Warner peeling off a big hundred.

They’re all possible.

Back in 2015 – what changes should be made? If any?

Check out stories of Cardiff and Ashes 2015 here.

About David Wilson

David Wilson is a hydrologist, climate reporter and writer of fiction & observational stories. He writes under the name “E.regnans” at The Footy Almanac and has stories in several books. One of his stories was judged as a finalist in the Tasmanian Writers’ Prize 2021. He shares the care of two daughters and likes to walk around feeling generally amazed. Favourite tree: Eucalyptus regnans.

Comments

  1. Bob Utber says

    David
    As usual I will come from the bench and help out. With a bit of luck it might be from the spaceship. Wish me luck.
    Citrus Bob

  2. crankypete says

    I like the 72 parallels. and, sadly, a Watson being dropped after the first on both occasions (am very fond of both). Hazlewood could be unplayable on the ridge, if he gets the length right. Voges as Ross Edwards.

  3. Peter Flynn says

    Pretty sure George Hirst played in the second Test at Lord’s

  4. E.regnans says

    Whoops – you’re right P Flynn.
    I meant to say that C Blyth looked to be unavailable for Lord’s.
    Good memory.

  5. John Butler says

    E Reg, my whereabouts uncertain but I’ll throw my 5 cents in at some stage.

    Should be a fascinating game on many levels.

    Cheers

  6. E.regnans says

    Thanks CB Utber. Brilliant.
    And J Butler – float away. Looking forward to your thoughts.
    I hope to post something one day, too.

    In 1997 England went 1-0 up after 1 Test and lost the series 2-3.

  7. I am in, e.r.
    Sunday will most probably suit me.

    Fancy Flynny knowing a detail such as that?

  8. E.regnans says

    Good on you Smokie.
    Selectors might have read your piece – and Citrus Bob’s as well.

  9. Paddy Grindlay says

    Saturday for me. Hawks vs Swans, the Tour (is it still on?) and the Ashes. Running machine in the front room with digital free-to-air telly. Tea and coffee on tap.
    Perfect. See you then. Go Aussies.

  10. E.regnans says

    Sleep well, Paddy.
    The buds & I enjoy watching the 7-7:30am Tour highlights show on SBS, huddled in the loungeroom trying not to spill breakfast crumbs.
    A winter tradition.
    Love it.

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