Ashes 2015: Australia fulfil Steven Smith’s prophecy in the worst way possible!
Ashes 2015: Australia fulfil Steven Smith's prophecy in the worst way possible!
On the eve of the fourth Ashes 2015 Test at Trent Bridge, the world’s top ranked Test batsman Steve Smith had written that this was Australia’s chance to make history. His prophecy came true, but in the worst way imaginable for Australian supporters, as Stuart Broad led the way for England to clean out their visitors for just 60 in record time. Shiamak Unwalla looks at what unfurled at Trent Bridge. READ: Australia’s collapse at Trent Bridge among worst in history
Every great story ever told follows certain tropes; a hero on a quest aided by their trusty sidekick and an old mentor, saving the common folks from a tyrannical ruler, the fulfillment of a prophecy, the triumphant homecoming. The same does not quite hold true for The Ashes 2015; the protagonists and antagonists vary greatly depending on which side you support. READ: Stuart Broad shows a rare glimpse of history in Ashes 2015 4th Test at Trent Bridge
Is Joe Root the hero, battling against the villainous Mitchell Johnson who ended the career of Jonathan Trott the last time they clashed? If so, does that make Jonny Bairstow the trusty sidekick, and Alastair Cook the seasoned mentor? Or is Steve Smith our protagonist, with David Warner his partner and Chris Rogers the advisor? These questions might be tough to answer, but the one irrefutable truth is that Smith made a prophecy that most certainly came true: “This is our chance to make history.” READ: Australia’s no-show against menacing Stuart Broad will haunt them for years
Smith wrote a blog for Cricket Australia’s official website on the eve of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge with this headline. And he was right, in resounding fashion. Sadly for him and Australian supporters, the prophecy was fulfilled in an entirely unexpected manner, which fans of literature would be accustomed to. Rarely is a prophecy as straightforward as it seems. Remember the famous Harry Potter-Voldemort “Neither can live while the other survives?” READ: Under-fire Michael Clarke needs expert help to battle himself out of danger
As it happens, Smith’s divination came to pass. Australia did indeed make history, and Stuart Broad helped them do it when he eviscerated their batting line-up en route to taking 8 for 15. Australia were demolished for 60 in 18.3 overs — 111 balls — which is the least number of balls ever faced in a completed Test innings. Australia’s leading run-scorer was extras, the first time such an occurrence has taken place in an Ashes innings. Their No. 11 Nathan Lyon looked more comfortable than most of the other batsmen, and survived more balls than everyone else barring Mitchell Johnson. READ: Australia desperately need Mitchell Starc to strike in Ashes 2015
It might not be clear who the protagonists and antagonists are in Ashes 2015, but nothing short of a miracle will prevent England’s quest for a successful series to come to fruition. Only a flagrant deus ex machina can save Australia from losing the Test, but if at all they somehow manage to do so it will be a feat worthy of a story in itself. READ: James Anderson’s side strain reminiscent of Glenn McGrath’s twisted ankle in Ashes 2005
(Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a self-confessed Sci-Fi geek who loves cricket more than cricketers. His Twitter handle is @ShiamakUnwalla)