by sussexpob » Thu Nov 30, 2017 3:40 pm
I think Adam Gilchrist's effort in Edgbaston test of 2001 will not largely be remembered for any particular reason, but I always think its largely forgotten in England how much the pre-series talk before that test was one of genuine hope at the time. The legacy of Waugh's Australia would prove itself in the 3-4 years after that series, but at the time they had lost in Sri Lanka in late 1999, lost in India in 2000-01, won only one test in 3 in Pakistan versus a team not really fancied that much in about 2000 by memory, and nearly lost to Brian Lara (sorry, the West Indies) in 1999 too. There was a perception that the Aussies were strong at home, but on the road they could be beaten. And a sense that what Fletcher was doing for England was bringing with it a hope to compete vs Australia in that series.
England had been in trouble until Stewart laid down one of the biggest 10th wicket partnerships in history with Caddick, and about 300 seemed a par score in the conditions with something in there for the bowlers and some turn already on day 1. By memory, Australia were about 3 or 4 down for under 150 at one point and England looked dangerous, before Waugh and Martyn had a partnership. That started to take the game away, but it was Gilchrist's brutal effort that had England running for the hills. England never wrestled back control of the series after that, they were utterly destroyed for the rest.
The brutality felt a significant statement. The brashness of his played displayed a confidence that helped Australia control the series, and also had the effect of fracturing the willpower of an English team already mindful that they had been dominated by the Aussies for over a decade. It defined both teams for the series. HAd Gilchrist been sent of early, England might have retained some belief they could have competed, but after that there was no chance. You felt everyone watching was united in deflation.
I was actually there. I went for a beer with Gilchrist just warming up, and remember coming back to my mates and looking at the scoreboard with disbelief. Id only been gone what seemed like a minute, and Gilchrist had scored the best part of a 100. 150 off about 130 balls by memory.
2010 French Open fantasy league guru 2010 Wimbledon fantasy league guru 2014 Masters golf fantasy guru 2015 Players Championship FL Guru 2016 Masters Golf Fantasy Guru
And a hat and bra to you too, my good sirs!