Last week could be described as the England Cricket team’s nightmare before Christmas in Perth. Strauss’ side were sublimely outplayed and outwitted as the ghost of Christmas past, Mitchell Johnson appeared to have a greater transformation than Ebenezer Scrooge himself. The only highlight of a poor performance was a good bowling display from the “not-so-tiny” son of Tim Tremlett, Chris.
With the series levelled at one all going into the fourth test in Melbourne the Ashes are left up for grabs. Doubts remain over the form of many players from Colly to Clarke and the fitness of Aussie skipper Ponting. This leaves selectors of both sides with more to contemplate than the Met Office weather warning team. But for now let’s leave the cricket on the back-burner and reminisce over the past twelve months of British sport.
Many flickering lights have been transformed into shinning stars over the past 365 days. The likes of Amy Williams have slid their way into the history books. Young ambassadors such as Tom Daley and Jessica Ennis have endeavoured to push their predecessors aside. Others such as Phil “The Power” Taylor and David “The Hayemaker” Haye have bullied their way to greatness. But what is my sporting highlight of the year....
As a Cricket fanatic, the Twenty20 world cup win has to be up there. The Colly-Flower relationship appeared to work wonders as England came back from The Caribbean with their first ICC trophy. Other moments will be remembered for a long time as well. A pure neutral delight as Wimbledon provided a 183 game match-up, lasting a mere 11 hours and 5 minutes. A memorable match-play performance from Celtic Manor, as Monty’s majestic Europeans announced their stronghold over the Ryder Cup thanks to a leading role from world number one Westwood, and a fantastic fourth day from Irish hero McDowell.
As every Christmas panto across the UK will show, every story needs a villain, an ugly sister and a loveable rogue. The past year of sport has provided many of these characters in less fictional terms. The likes of Ian Holloway have provided more laughs than the pantomime dame, Chelsea skipper Terry and golf-legend Woods have played the cheating villains and our hearts have been melted by the beauty of the likes Ennis and Robson. If only Capello’s men weren’t playing the Jesters in South Africa this summer!
Looking back on 2010, it is fair to say that all can exclaim highlights and lowlights. Let’s just hope that 2011 will provide a similar array of emotions and hopefully an Ashes victory in the bad-lands. I’d just like to take this moment to wish everybody a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. May 2011 bring you all you deserve and dream. Just remember, “Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.” (Muhammad Ali).
Thanks for reading!
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