Ashes to Ashes

In the self-styled 'golden era' of Patgod, early autumn issues often featured musings on matters of a cricketing nature, reflecting the sporting interests of the main contributors. These were generally centred around events at the County Ground, where perpetual lack of success was the ideal counterpoint to winters spent watching Kettering Town. Only very occasionally did we cast an eye on Test cricket. In those days when the only distinguishing factor between the seasons was whether England would be thrashed by (a) Australia (b) Pakistan or (c) Australia again, you could hardly blame us. Plus they never picked anyone we cared about, i.e. those who sported the Tudor Rose.

However, fast forward to 2009 and not only do we have a triumphant Ashes series to celebrate, but it was underpinned by key contributions by Northants cricketers past and present. Yes all right you made us say it - Northamptonshire won back the Ashes.

First there was the mighty contribution of Monty at Cardiff. With the bat. Arguably the most unlikely combination of words since "John Major" and "My Affair With" appeared in the same tabloid headline. When Luton Town's most famous fan since Eric Morecambe walked out to join Jimmy Anderson with 11 overs remaining, most would have preferred to see Eric taking guard (with or without glasses). However Monty defied everything hurled his way with incredible aplomb, and apart from almost running himself or his partner out only a few times, it was thank you Monty, the MBE's in the post.

Inspired by Monty's heroic resistance, England went 1-0 up at Lords so I think Northants can take the credit for that too. The battered Aussies limped to a tour game at where else but Northampton to regroup but with only limited success. The two players who had most to prove, Phillip Hughes and Mitchell Johnson, did not impress. Hughes - an even bigger flop than Bopara - was bounced out again, whilst Johnson's figures were mangled by second teamers enjoying a rare opportunity.

That turned out to be Hughes's last contribution before he was dropped whilst Johnson survived and gradually clawed back some form, as did Australia until England had only pride to play for in the 4th Test. But looking back there were a few precious psychological points earned in the way Graeme Swann joined Broad in racking up what was - incredibly - the second fastest hundred stand in the history of Test cricket. Swann, of course, having learned all he needed to know at Wantage Road (you see where this is going).

With the series poised at 1-1 it needed one more push from either side and with 8 wickets who can argue that Swann was the man. Certainly not Swann himself I suspect. So there is no doubt in the eyes of all true England fans that the Ashes would not have been reclaimed without the contribution of this least fashionable of counties. So much so that had there been a victory parade like 2005, rumour has it that an open top Yorks bus was on standby, with instructions to convey the team to cheering crowds in Abingdon Square via Greyfriars.