...who was the real winner of England's sensational third Test win over Australia in The Ashes 2019?
What a weekend!
Whilst the rest of the world were seeing news headlines about fires in the Amazon Basin, world leaders were meeting at the G7 or concerned about the financial situation where 30 year bonds are being sold with 0% interest, much of England and Australia were gripped by one of the greatest sporting competitions between two nations, The Ashes #Ashes19.
How this third Ashes Test game played out
Without doubt, Australia had the advantage. England needed 73 runs to win. One of England’s best players – Ben Stokes – had already scored 61 runs and was joined by Jack Leach – England’s last batsman (as the number 11 batsman he is in the team because of his bowling ability rather than his prowess with the bat).
Between them they batted together for 62 balls. Leach only faced 17 of those. Stokes scored 72 runs and Leach 1 run. Leach’s innings has been called the greatest 1 run innings in test history.
England won this Test (third out of five) and kept the Ashes series alive. It was a nail biting, jaw dropping, unbelievable hour of cricket (at the time). In that time Australia had 2 clear chances and 1 half chance to win the game and thereby retain the Ashes. Ben Stokes has been hailed as the greatest sporting hero in England since, well, the last greatest sporting hero was hailed!
Thinking about the win, for success, and indeed for some people, greatness, we all need:-
- More than a fair share of luck. The margin between losing and winning can be very narrow
- A team to put us in a position, no matter how unlikely, from we are able to go on and win.
- Someone able to support us in achieving that win.
Next time you are congratulating yourself on your success...
... Are you’re thinking how brilliant you are, or acknowledging your whole team and your own Jack Leach?
