Sky’s Ashes Adverts: Pick up a bat and wallop an Aussie

 

Four years ago, Sky would never have positioned our cricketers backstage at a coliseum in the vicinity of roaring lions. The expectation would’ve been ‘it’s feeding time’ for the big cats. Confidence is so high this time round, however, that Sky’s latest advert for the Ashes portrays Pietersen and Co as gladiators, about to avenge the wrongs of 2006/07.

It’s optimistic, it’s heroic, and it’s … err … a bit naff. Sky obviously forgot that Russell Crowe is an Australian. But perhaps there’s a subliminal message. England will certainly have to perform to their ‘maximus’ potential if they want to retain the urn.

Sky’s other ad is a lot more satisfying. We call it ‘Shane’s nightmare’. It involves Warney dreaming of England fans celebrating an Ashes victory on Bondi beach, and a James Cordon lookalike (dressed in England colours) presenting Aerobics Oz Style at Syndey Harbour. It’s quite amusing actually. And Warney, as ever, proves himself to be a good sport.

Its only problem is that it tempts fate a little too much. After all, there was better news for the Aussies overnight. Mitchell Johnson took five wickets for his state, and the beleaguered Mike Hussey made what some pundits are calling a career-saving century. The Fanatics will hope that their good form continues at Brisbane.

Meanwhile, England continued to dominate Australia A at Hobart. Ian Bell scored a sparkling 192 – more evidence that a transformation from Sherminator to Terminator is just around the corner. Tim Bresnan also chipped in with 36 runs and three wickets to keep Australia’s second-string on the back-foot. They’re currently on 128-3 needing another 166 to avoid an innings defeat.

Talking of sticky situations, there’s also some interesting news from the county circuit. Glamorgan have parted company with cricket manager Matthew Maynard and former captain Jamie Dalrymple. This comes in the wake of Alviro Peterson’s appointment as captain earlier in the week, and the decision to appoint Colin Metson as head of coaching – a move which effectively demoted Maynard.

The club’s chairman, Paul Russell, apparently took the decision because of poor performances. However, Glamorgan deserved promotion last season, and only lost out to Worcestershire on the final day – so the decision looks hasty.

The changes also seem to have backfired thus far. Dalrymple, who is one of the team’s best players, yesterday announced his departure from Glamorgan because he was not consulted about the decision to replace him as captain – a decision which left him with ‘no respect’ for Russell. Looks like the Welshies are up the valley without a paddle.

James Morgan

3 comments

  • Spot about the Sky ads. Not seen much of the Warney nightmare, far superior to the Gladiator effort.

    Very unbiased comment on Glamorgan missing out on promotion James. I would have been slightly more partisan and said that Worcester were never in doubt for promotion. The F1 confirmed it doesn’t matter who leads during the season it’s who ends the season in the hot appt that counts.

    Roll on Thursday night. I’m looking forward to the next 2 months or so of updates here. Keep up the good work.

    • Thanks Anthony. Glad you’re enjoying our coverage. I’m still in shock that Worcs got promoted – and slightly nervous about what next year may bring. Rhodes has already said we can’t really afford a big name overseas star. Although I was glad we stole promotion on the final day, I had to feel a little sorry for Glamorgan. Worcs were playing Sussex if I recall correctly, who had already earned promotion and had little to play for. They were therefore not scared of contriving a result. Meanwhile, Glamorgan’s opponents batted time for a draw. It was a tad unfair I thought.

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