Dream that ended in Ashes

WITH excitement yet to subside following the breathless finale to last Sunday’s extraordinary World Cup final, England cricket enthusiasts must ready themselves for an Ashes series against Australia.

This documentary, which chronicles the rapid rise of England’s Test side from seventh place in the world rankings to number one spot, over 18 dramatic months from April 2009 which included Ashes victories home and away, should get them in the mood.

The film, directed by Barney Douglas and written by him and Gabriel Clarke, is not without flaws.

The narration by actor Toby Jones is overlyrical practically to the point of parody. ‘Imagine your wicket is your bank account,’ he says, embarking on an absurdly fanciful extended metaphor which, in attempting to emulate the best of cricket’s great wordsmith John Arlott, succeeds merely in evoking the worst of Alan Partridge. But if that might be called the film’s off-side, there is plenty to compensate, including terrific clips, insightful interviews, and a few really funny observations, such as bowler James Anderson recalling the way batsman Jonathan Trott would meticulously clean the inside of his protective box before a match, then ‘stare into it as if he was reading his future’.

Players talk candidly about themselves, about each other, and about the architect of their success, the team’s tough Zimbabwean head coach Andy Flower.

The film also tackles the deteriorating mental health of several players as the team, following its spectacular ascent, tumbles down the rankings. It’s fascinating stuff.