England retain the Ashes in style

england-retain-ashes

england-retain-ashesGood things come to those who wait. Whoever it was that said that, and the last that comes to mind are those brilliant folks over at Guinness, has hit the nail on the head after England regained the Ashes just before noon on the fourth day of the fourth test in Melbourne.

The Aussies had put a stern final show of resistance after an early wicket had shown Mitchell Johnson the way back to the dressing room. Brad Haddin put on 86 for the next wicket with the bowler Peter Siddle, but once he was gone you knew it was only a matter of time before that was that.

Tim Bresnan claimed the final wicket of Ben Hilfenhaus and England had retained the Ashes for the first time since 1986/87. The celebrating England squad did resemble a bunch of private school kids as the predominantly geeky crowd of players looked like an embarrassing bunch of guys who’ve never been guided in the fine art of celebrating.

Ricky Ponting meanwhile was sombre in defeat and so he should be. Not since the 19th century has the man at the helm of the good ship Australian lost the Ashes three times. That fact now befits Ponting. He’s not quitting as el capitan though. Yeah right!

As for the sports betting and gambling industry, the loss has not boded well for most of the English sports book. Well you’d imagine they’re still toasting the victory – and so should you!