The Ashes, one of cricket’s most fiercely contested rivalries, is a test cricket series played between England and Australia. The origins of this historic contest can be traced back to 1882.
Following Australia’s first-ever victory on English soil at The Oval in 1882, a mock obituary was published in a British newspaper, stating that English cricket had died and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” This sparked a wave of interest, and the term “The Ashes” was coined.
The Ashes series has since become a symbol of intense competition and national pride between the two cricketing nations. The contest is played biennially, with the teams taking turns hosting the series. The famous Ashes urn, said to contain the remains of a cricket bail, is presented to the winning team at the end of the series.
The battle for the Ashes has produced some of cricket’s most memorable moments and legendary players. From the likes of Don Bradman and Ian Botham to Steve Waugh and Andrew Flintoff, the series has witnessed extraordinary individual performances that have etched their names in cricketing folklore.
An interesting fact about currently ongoing Ashes Test series between England and Australia is that, there are total 5 players, combining both England and Australia, who played in the IPL for the Rising Pune Supergiants.
Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) was a franchise team that participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two seasons, 2016 and 2017. Based in Pune, Maharashtra, the team was owned by Sanjiv Goenka’s company, the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group.
Despite its short tenure, RPS made an impact in the IPL, finishing as runners-up in their debut season. Led by charismatic captain Steve Smith, the team boasted a talented roster including players like Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni etc. Known for their aggressive and competitive style of cricket, RPS was a formidable opponent.
However, due to the IPL’s franchise restructuring, RPS was replaced by the returning Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for the 2018 season. Now today in this article, we take a look at 5 players who once played for Rising Pune Supergiants and playing in the currently ongoing Ashes Test series.
Steve Smith captained Rising Pune to IPL Final in 2017
Steve Smith, the Australian batting maestro, played a pivotal role for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) during his time with the team. Leading from the front as captain, Smith showcased his exceptional batting skills and strategic acumen. His consistent performances with the bat were instrumental in RPS’s successful campaign in the 2017 IPL, where they finished as runners-up.
His partnership with players like Ajinkya Rahane and MS Dhoni proved to be a formidable combination. Steve Smith is one of the crucial members of the Australian side that is playing the Ashes series now.
Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja, the talented Australian batsman, had a brief stint with Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) during the 2016 and 2017 seasons of the Indian Premier League. Khawaja showcased his skill and ability to score runs consistently during his time with RPS. In the 2016 season, he scored 345 runs in 9 matches with an impressive average of 31.36 and a strike rate of 126.63.
Despite limited opportunities in the following season, Khawaja still managed to contribute with 25 runs in the 3 matches he played. His elegant stroke play and ability to build innings added depth to RPS’s batting lineup, making him a valuable asset for the team during his time with them. Now he is responsible for opening the inning for Australia as one of the most dependable opener with dip in form for star batter David Warner.
Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh, the dynamic Australian all-rounder, played for Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2016 and 2017 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Marsh showcased his prowess with both bat and ball during his time with RPS. In the 2016 season, he scored 144 runs in 9 matches at an average of 28.80 and a strike rate of 151.57.
With the ball, he picked up 9 wickets in 9 matches, displaying his effectiveness as a medium-fast bowler. Despite injury setbacks in the following season, Marsh still managed to contribute with 66 runs and 2 wickets in the 4 matches he played. Marsh has been made to sit on the bench for the 1st Test match of the Ashes 2023 series as he couldn’t make himself fit into the playing XI.
Scott Boland played for Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016
Scott Boland, the Australian fast bowler, represented Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2016 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Boland showcased his bowling skills during his time with RPS. In the 2016 season, he played 4 matches and picked up 5 wickets at an economy rate of 8.60. Boland was not even considered a part of the Australian team until very recently when he fill in for injured Josh Hazlewood and has now truly established his place in the team.
Ben Stokes played for Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017
Ben Stokes is the only English player who played for the Rising Pune Supergiants and is now playing in the Ashes 2023, leading the England team. Stokes, had a remarkable stint with Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2017 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Stokes showcased his immense talent and versatility during his time with RPS. With the bat, he scored 316 runs in 12 matches at an average of 31.60 and a strike rate of 142.98. With the ball, Stokes was equally impactful, picking up 12 wickets in 12 matches. His explosive batting and wicket-taking abilities made him a vital player for RPS.
