Three dream sports Watchalongs

One of the best things to come out of lockdown is the creation of the Watchalong. They are the brainchild of the geniuses at Sky Sports Cricket. 

They get guests who have played in the match concerned on to talk about their experiences while they watch it ball-by-ball with the viewer. 

So far, they have covered last year’s World Cup final, the final day of last summer’s Ashes Test at Headingly and the dramatic final day of the Edgbaston Test match in 2005.

This had me thinking what would be my three dream Watchalongs would be.

Ashes 2010/11 – Melbourne Test, first day

The 2010/11 Ashes series is 1-1 going into the fourth Test at Melbourne. The Melbourne Test always starts on Boxing day, it is the biggest day in the Australian cricket calendar. 

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was packed with 84,345 fans all expecting a great day of cricket.

What followed is one of the most one-sided days of Test cricket ever to take place. 

Australia were bowled out for a barely believable 98. It was the first time in 78 years that a team batting first had been bowled out for under 100. 

Within a couple of hours of the game starting England had control of the Test and one hand on the urn. Mike Selvey, in The Guardian said: “England’s hungry pack savage Australia at the MCG.” 

Having bowled Australia out for 98, they took complete control with opening batsman Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss finishing the day at 157-0. 

By the end of the day most of the Australian fans had left, leaving England’s jubilant ‘Barmy Army’ singing their songs and England had one hand on the Ashes urn.

To watch this with some of the England players that took part and get their viewpoint on one of the best days in English cricket history would be brilliant.

Andy Murray 2013 – Wimbledon

This undisputedly one of British sports greatest achievements of the 21st century. It was the first time in 77 years that the biggest prize in tennis was won by a British player.

Murray had lost in the final the previous year leading to heart-breaking scenes in the post-match interview. 

But this time was different and as the sun beat down on Centre Court on that early July day you could feel the nation willing him on.

This time Murray didn’t falter blowing away and as Novak Djokovic drove a backhand into the net, the celebrations began.  

Murray was an emotional wreck as he went down on his knees and hit the turf with delight.

To be able to listen to Andy talk you through the match shot by shot and re-live one of the best days of his life would make brilliant viewing.

Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko – 2017

It was this fight that catapulted Anthony Joshua from a well-known sportsman to a household name. 

It was the young gun against the old veteran at a packed-out Wembley Stadium.

Klitschko was coming off a two year lay-off after a shock defeat to Tyson Fury in 2015. 

The fight itself was brilliant, including the breath-taking round five where Joshua floored Klitschko and, “hurt him for the first time in 11 years,” according to Sky Sports commentator Adam Smith.

After going to the canvas Klitschko came roaring back landing a series of punches that left Joshua holding on for dear life.

Klitschko then floored Joshua in the sixth round and it looked the Brit’s dreams might be over. 

Joshua recovered well and closed the show in round 11, the referee waved the fight off after Joshua floored Klitschko twice more. 

To be able to listen to Joshua talk through the fight while he is watching would make brilliant viewing.

By Alex Brinton

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