War of the words, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 and England raise The Ashes stakes
The War is between two continents: Europe and Australia.
The War is between two arch rivals: England and Australia.
The War is between two great captains: Andrew Strauss and Ricky Ponting
Tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanoes would erupt when these two countries set foot on the battleground. The teams would be battling it out for the urn. It is just not any urn, it is
the urn – the World’s smallest trophy. Q
The two countries have a 127-year old rivalry between them. As the day of the battle comes closer, both countries begin the usual rants against each other. Everyone gets involved in preparing for the bloodshed. The locals eye any outsider, who might be posing
as a part of their team. They seek to avenge anyone who is not a part of their troop.
The soldiers prepare against a beautiful backdrop of some European country where they are tucked away from the harsh realities of the World. They join together to form a force that can shake the foundation of the war.
A boot camp is arranged where they gather around a bonfire. They hold hands and remember the great warriors, who have gained or lost their dignity and respect in subsequent fights. They sing songs fondly remembering the times they have taken part in the
battle throwing the occasional disrespect to each other. But above all, they form an aggregation that takes them to an exultant victory, which will cement their names forever amongst the glorious works of strong men.
Pre-battle taunt starts and both sides go on an assaultive rampage. The armies of both the teams insult each other on a virtual ground. They quarrel, rumble and attack before the final face off starts building up. The battalion is fully equipped with backhanded
compliments, rude jokes and mocking each other’s soldiers that would fight on D-Day.
Years have passed but the battle remains the same. The soldiers’ preparation is the same. Their rants are insulting as ever supported by the advent of technology. The armies have grown in number as now it is not restricted to two continents. The World is
their oyster. The armies of supporters and fans have increased and a big battalion is charged up as the game approaches.
In the old days, the pre – battle was set up by the armies but now the pre – Ashes banter is created by the teams themselves. New techniques are being invented of making a hue and cry about the tournament.
The hype around the tournament is automatically created as fans around the World prepare themselves for the ultimate battle. However, it seems as if marketing the series in a new way is the latest venture that both countries are vying for.
Four years ago, 400 feet high images of England’s players, Andrew Flintoff, and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Monty-Panesar-c2024 was projected on to the Sydney Harbour Bridge sponsored by Sky Sports. A similar stunt was pulled off by Cricket Australia on late Wednesday when an image of Australian
captain Ricky Ponting and vice Captain Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 was projected on to the London landmark Big Ben.
The images were accompanied by an admonition declaring war. “Don’t forget to pack the urn” the message said. Basically the Australians wanted to send a reminder to their old rival to bring the trophy with them as the England squad got ready to leave for
the land Down Under. The defending champions of the Ashes title were sleeping last night oblivious of the commotion going around their vicinity.
Now the English are getting a bit sticky about the situation. Rumours were flying around that the Westminster Council is considering legal action against Cricket Australia. This season Australia might have to fight on two fronts. A possible police investigation
might also get underway to find out who allowed them to project the holographic images on the “world heritage site”.
But this light – hearted act was a promotion stunt and should not be taken so seriously. But it was a light – hearted attempt on part of the humble Australians. It was a “friendly banter” wisely put by the chief executive of Cricket Australia. However, it
seems that the Ashes would always be an arena where the front line would be shaky.
Tags: