After finally securing an Ashes win in Australia for this first time in 24 years, the England cricket team can take even further satisfaction in knowing they did not let down their expectant fans. In a poll conducted immediately prior to the opening test, it was obvious that a triumphant victory was expected among the British public.
- 72% of British cricket fans expected England to win the series
- Just 13% plumped for Australia
Series success
There is also further good news for the Man of The Series, Alistair Cook, who has managed to win over a sceptical audience. In our poll, Cook was believed by British cricket fans to be only the 6th most likely candidate to score most test runs in the series (3%), behind Strauss (35%), Pietersen (16%), Bell (11%), Trott (11%) and Collingwood (7%), while just 3% thought he would return as Man of The Series compared to 17% who favoured Strauss.
The Barmy Army, as English cricket supporters are known, is seen as integral part of the England cricket experience with thousands packing the Sydney Cricket Ground this morning to back their victorious heroes – and it seems their unflinching belief has finally paid off.
