The iconic 2005 Ashes series, won by England, was famously influenced by a bizarre injury to Australian pace spearhead Glenn McGrath, an incident some England staff called “karma” for earlier antics.
The Unforgettable 2005 Ashes Series
England’s triumph in the 2005 Ashes, their first in 18 years, is etched in cricket history. A pivotal factor in their success was the repeated absence of Australia’s star bowler, Glenn McGrath, due to injury.
McGrath notably missed the crucial second Test at Edgbaston, which England leveled, and again missed the fourth Test where England secured a thrilling win.
A “Turf War” on the Outfield
The story behind McGrath’s injury on the morning of the second Test at Edgbaston, after he’d been Man of the Match in the first, involves a strange “turf war” between the two teams.
According to Nigel Stockill, England’s strength and conditioning coach, and physio Kirk Russell, the Australians engaged in “childish” pre-match antics that ultimately backfired.
Lord’s: The First Skirmish
The tension began during the first Test at Lord’s. England’s coach, Duncan Fletcher, had been tipped off that Australia planned to occupy England’s usual warm-up spot on the outfield.
True to form, Australia had laid out their cones early. When England’s Ashley Giles politely asked them to move so he could bowl, the response from the Australians was reportedly hostile, setting a tense tone for the series.
England’s physio, Kirk Russell, also recalled Australia’s captain, Ricky Ponting, being consistently dismissive, often ignoring his “good morning” greetings. This added to the feeling of animosity between the sides.
Edgbaston: Karma’s Strike
The “turf war” escalated when the teams arrived at Edgbaston for the second Test. This time, Australia’s coach, John Buchanan, used cricket balls instead of cones to mark their claimed territory on the outfield.
It was one of these very balls that McGrath inadvertently stepped on, slipping and sustaining a significant ankle injury. He was ruled out after scans revealed two ruptured ligaments and bone damage in his right ankle.
Stockill directly linked the injury to their rivals’ tactics, stating, “There is a bit of karma there. They tried to upset the balance of things and if ever there was a backfire, that was it.”
McGrath’s Missed Impact
For McGrath, missing those crucial matches was difficult. He later reflected on his absence, not just in terms of his bowling, but the psychological edge his presence gave Australia.
“It’s the impact on the mental state of the opposition. All of a sudden, I’m not playing… which gives a lift to the opposition that wouldn’t have been there otherwise,” he said.
Ironically, it was McGrath’s replacement, Michael Kasprowicz, who became the last wicket to fall in the thrilling two-run loss at Edgbaston. McGrath firmly believed that a win there would have “killed the series” for England.
- Glenn McGrath’s injury in the 2005 Ashes was due to slipping on a cricket ball.
- England staff viewed the injury as “karma” for Australia’s pre-match “turf war” tactics.
- The “turf war” involved Australia claiming England’s warm-up space and showing perceived rudeness.
- McGrath believed his absence significantly impacted the opposition’s confidence.
The bizarre incident remains a key footnote in one of cricket’s most legendary series, highlighting how even minor off-field skirmishes can have major consequences.
