The Ashes: Cricket’s Biggest Tournament
So most of you will know the story behind The Ashes tournament, right? The Aussies burning the cricket bail in 1882-83 and gifting it to the England Captain. Well here’s some more myths of the sport and things you should know about The Ashes.
1. Nelson
Heard of a Nelson? The number 111. This is a score which is said to be unlucky in the sport and named after Admiral Nelson. Nelson completed his duties in the Royal Navy and towards the end of his life it was commented that he only had one eye, one arm and one leg, which is where the 111 originated from. However, this was said to be untrue as a number of people said it was actually one eye, one arm and one ambition (and a number of other crude things). But it doesn’t just stay at 111, this phrase is also used when players score in multiples e.g. 222, which is classed as a double-Nelson or a 333 which is a triple-Nelson. Admiral Nelson is another historic figure who lives on in cricket. He also has a monument not far from the Eventmasters HQ, located in the famous Bullring.
2. Devil Number
Some say that the number 13 is unlucky but in cricket, the myth is that Australia’s ‘Devil’ number is 87. It is 13 more to 100 so perhaps this be behind the Aussie myth? It all started at a shield match when young Keith Miller watched his icon Sir Donald Bradman be dismissed after 87, however it was reported he actually was out after 89. This game changed young Miller as not only did the number 87 stick with him, it represented bad luck and the word began to travel throughout the sport. This myth stuck with all numbers that included the number 87, meaning 187 or 487 also qualified. Long live Australia’s best all-rounder MBE Keith Miller.
3. The Number Game
There bringing it back! This year’s test one of the Ashes was the first test game in 142 years that saw players wear shirts with both their name and number on the back. Test cricket between England and Australia have always been plain white shirts, starting from the first time both teams met in 1882. The first time cricket used numbered shirts was Australia’s World Series Cup in 1995-96, after this act most countries then decided to use numbered shirts. There were a few remarks made about the new shirts from two of the Baggy Greens team mates, as they branded them ‘rubbish’ and ‘ridiculous’.
What’s your thoughts on the players shirts being numbered? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Interested in our Cricket hospitality packages? Enquire now:
Complete this form to register your interest:
If you are interested in any of our hospitality packages, our event specialists are ready to help you make your day memorable. Complete this contact form and we will be in contact shortly.
