Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21059 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-08-22
• Rating: Exempt
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 85 minutes

Customer Reviews

The Greatest Test????
It's tough to say whether or not the title of this DVD is exactly accurate, lets face it there have been some incredible test matches over the years (Headingly '81 is constantly referenced, the MCG in '98 was a favourite of mine, then we have non-Ashes matches). What is possibly true is that this must be the most exciting end to a test match.

I was abroad during the match, so had been listening to Test Match Special on the internet. I tuned into the final day with England well on top, expecting us to wrap things up quickly. How wrong I was. I ended up more tense than I've ever been, screaming at my computer screen. Then the final wicket came, England had done it, elation!

What amazes me having now watched the highlights on this DVD is that I felt just as tense watching it for the first time as I did when listening, despite knowing what the result was going to be. The whole DVD is good, with Channel 4's commentary team at the top of their game (Mr. Boycott has some classic lines), though the coverage shifts along too quickly for my liking. It could have done to be 30 minutes longer, perhaps with some added analysis. Sill, that's a minor point.

English fans will be deligted to watch this over and over again and I suspect that will go the same for cricket fans in general. This is a game that will long live in the memory. I'm delighted to have a record of it.

"I don,t like cricket tah......i love it"
It's perhaps subjective that this is "The Greatest Test", I personally prefer the 1981 Headingly Test, but then I would. I was there on the final day. One things for certain, it's the second almost unbelievable sporting highlight of the year- the other being Liverpool's Champions League victory- and showcases vividly once again that sport and particularly cricket at it's best provides the most compelling drama around..
It all seemed so unlikely after Lords where as usual the Australians, particularly the nagging Glen McGrath had given us a right going over. But after flaying the Aussie attack all around Edgbaston on the first day England seized the initiative and even though they suffered something of a stutter in their second innings a thrilling Flintoff counter-attack ( Surely The most compelling candidate for Sports Personality Of The Year, seeing as he has one and all) ensured we set a competitive total. Once Harmison bamboozled Clarke with that slower ball with the final delivery of Saturdays play leaving Australia 107 runs to win and England two wickets short of victory that seemed to be that.
I presume anyone interested in buying this DVD will have already seen the extraordinary events of that final days play. I was on holiday, but stayed in the caravan all morning as Australia led by the amazingly competitive Warne clawed their way ever nearer an unlikely triumph. The tension was unbelievable, not helped by Harmison's sudden propensity for firing attempted yorkers down the leg side past the hapless Geraint Jones. But..... well you all know how it ended and I'm not ashamed to admit that by that point I had given up hope and thought the Australians were going to nick the win. Fortunately we seem to have a psychological edge over the Australians when it comes to tight finishes and there is no doubt that as the prospect of victory edged nearer the Aussie batsman were suddenly aware of the enormity of the situation and what had been a glorious defeat could become a heartbreaking defeat they found it tougher.
Terrific stuff and it maybe the last time for some time before those of us without Murdochs inverted nipples on the sides of our houses will enjoy the thrill of seeing this fantastic sport live. Of seeing incredible events like this unfold before our eyes after the E.C.B, s dunderheaded decision to sell the rights to Sky. Even more reason to enjoy this DVD. I think I, all be watching it a lot next summer.....along with the Headingley 1981 test of course.

Victorious England
It's hard to imagine a better series with a better climax. This DVD is a must own for anyone who loves to see the Aussies spanked by England or indeed if you just enjoy fantastic cricket. Not Enough superlatives!!