Two decades after England’s iconic 2005 Ashes victory, fascinating stories are resurfacing about the wild celebrations that followed, including a memorable visit to the Prime Minister’s residence.
The Downing Street Diaries: A Party Like No Other
After an all-night celebration, the triumphant England cricket team, still very much “half-hammered,” arrived at 10 Downing Street for a reception with then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. Their strength and conditioning coach, Nigel Stockill, vividly recalled the scene.
Stockill noted the initial lack of proper refreshments, with just a jug of water and twelve glasses on a single table. He quipped that they “might need to up their game on the drinks.” While warm Beck’s beer was eventually provided, he contrasted it with the lavish spread a football team might have received, suggesting the PM wasn’t a keen cricket follower.
KP and Cherie: A Flirtatious Encounter?
Amidst the chaotic gathering, a memorable interaction unfolded between star batsman Kevin Pietersen and the Prime Minister’s wife, Cherie Blair. Stockill observed Cherie “fluttering around the garden” telling the boys to “behave yourselves.”
Pietersen, seemingly unfazed, reportedly turned to Stockill and asked, “Tell me Nige, who the **** is that?” England’s physio, Kirk Russell, also weighed in, suggesting Cherie Blair “had had a few” before their arrival and was “quite flirtatious.” It was, by all accounts, an unforgettable and surreal moment.
The Infamous Downing Street Garden Incident
One particular rumor from that legendary day has persisted: did an England player urinate in the Prime Minister’s garden? While many former players now deny the incident, the story has been previously confirmed by at least one team member.
Pacer Simon Jones, a key player in that series, confessed years ago to Cricinfo, “I apparently peed in the garden at 10 Downing Street. That’s what they tell me. Did I do it? It could have been me – but I can’t remember.” He also mentioned other teammates like Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard engaging in playful antics on a swing and climbing frame.
- The 2005 Ashes-winning England team was “half-hammered” upon arrival at 10 Downing Street for a celebratory reception.
- Initial refreshments were scarce, prompting remarks from the team’s conditioning coach.
- Kevin Pietersen had a memorable, allegedly “flirtatious,” exchange with Cherie Blair.
- Despite current denials from some, Simon Jones previously admitted to possibly urinating in the Downing Street garden during the wild celebrations.
These colourful anecdotes underscore the unique camaraderie and spirited exuberance of a team that had just achieved one of English cricket’s most significant triumphs.
