I've been watching England and Australia battling it out for the Ashes. Who says 5-day Test cricket isn't compelling viewing? This is the most dramatic series for years, and each of the last three matches has gone to the wire. Next week's grand finale at the Oval, in which England only need to draw to regain the Ashes for the first time since 1986, promises to be a cracker too.



Note:
Australia’s first victory on English soil inspired a young London journalist, Reginald Shirley Brooks, to write this mock obituary in the Sporting Times: "In affectionate remembrance of English cricket which died at The Oval, 29th August, 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances, RIP. NB The body will be cremated and the Ashes taken to Australia."