Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Ashes 2023 the closest series since 1907-08 | Is the 2023 Ashes the closest ever in Ashes history?
Numbers say the ongoing 2023 Ashes is turning out to be the most closely-competed one since the 1907-08 edition of the series. The slim margins of victory in each of the three games so far has given birth to this interesting fact.
Australia won the first two matches by two wickets and 43 runs in Edgbaston and Lord’s respectively. England emerged triumphant in the third Test by three wickets. Only in 1907-08 did three games of the Ashes occur where the victorious team claimed the win by less than 50 runs or by fewer than three wickets thrice.
What happened in the Ashes 1907-08?
That Ashes series was held in Australia. The hosts had won the first Test of that series by two wickets. The Three Lions came back to level the series with a one-wicket win in the second match. Finally, Australia sealed the series by 49 runs in the fifth Test in Sydney. Australia eventually dominated the series with a 4-1 scoreline.
Will the 2023 Ashes go down as the closest ever Ashes series?
The remaining two games of the series will be held at Old Trafford and The Oval starting from July 19 and July 27 respectively. The series hangs well in balance right now. The first and the third games of the series were remarkably close. The second game was bossed over by Australia, however, Ben Stokes’ stunning 155 in the fourth innings ensured that the home side was not completely dragged out of the contest.
As of now, it is difficult to make out which side the current series will go. Australia looked well settled to seal the Ashes. But, the setback in the previous game has given England enough headway to find their way back in the proceedings.
“We’ve kept the series alive and we just have to park everything from this week, but continue the way we play,” Stokes said after the game in Headingley.
If the weather holds up at Old Trafford, we could be heading to The Oval locked at 2-2. Who knows.
