The top-five Ashes controversies
The Ashes series Down Under had no shortage of controversy. Here is a look at the top five occasions when the ugly side of things came to the forefront.
England's Ashes tour to Australia was as much about glory and dismay as it was about controversies. A bitter rivalry became a whole lot more intense as words flew with piercing intensity. Here's a look at the top-five off-field incidents that grabbed headlines during the five-Test battle.
1. WHEN SLEDGING WENT OVERBOARD
If looks could kill, Mitchell Johnson would have annihilated the entire English side. The pacer claimed 37 wickets but it was his looks that gave many poms sleepless nights. Skipper Michael Clarke too was relentless with his sledging as the Aussies raised the temperature of an already hot summer Down Under. After the first Test, England coach Andy flower tried to douse the fire but the Aussies rejected the offer for truce. In fact, the hosts became even more aggressive as the tour went on. (Also read: Why old is gold for Australia's three musketeers)
2. FANS & FORMER PLAYERS STOKED THE FIRE
It wasn't just the 11 Aussie cricketers on the pitch that troubled the Three Lions but the hostile crowd also played a huge role. The Barmy Army was out-numbered at all venues and England players found themselves facing the wrath of local fans. To add to their miseries, the Aussie commentators continued with their attempts to get under the skin of the visitors. Shane Warne even posted a split screen image pointing out some uncanny resemblance between Joe Root and talk show host Ellen DeGenres!
3. TROTT LEFT THE SERIES MID-WAY
The biggest casualty of the five-Test series was Jonathan Trott. The England batsman surprised everyone by leaving the tour after a 381-run loss in the first Test. An official statement from the righthander confirmed stress-related illness. But some continued to question his ability to stand in the line of fire Down Under.
4. SWANN ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT
The Three Lions lost yet another cog in their wheel in the form of Graeme Swann, who announced his retirement in the middle of the series, against the wishes of his coach Andy Flower. And before boarding the plane back to England, the off-spinner hinted at a possible dressing-room rift which forced him to hang his boots. (Suggested read: Aussie PM congratulates team | Aussie press in 'adulation-mode')
5. BATTLES OFF THE FIELD
A friendly banter on Twitter led to British TV personality Piers Morgan taking on Brett Lee on a cricket pitch. The gauntlet was thrown after Lee questioned the courage of English batsmen while facing Mitchell Johnson. After six deliveries, most of which hit Morgan on the body, the public opinion was divided. While some called it good television, others including former Kiwi legend Richard Hadlee, called it unnecessary and dangerous.