Fred & co revive feelgood factor

At 5.50 this evening, joy and pride returned to English sport once again, as our cricketing Lions regained The Ashes from Australia once again.

Proving the heroics of 2005 weren't a one-off, and banishing the horrors of the 5-0 drubbing by the Aussies down under two years ago, Andrew Strauss' men overcame the odds and responded positively to media pressure to pull off a terrific victory.

And just like four years ago, this series has been full of really exciting twists and turns with some remarkable individual performances and sterling team work. With it being his last Test series, all eyes were on the talisman 'Freddie' Flintoff and he didn't let us down on the final day with a brilliant throw to ensure Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting walked.

And while Fred was great this summer, his was a cameo role in truth as the likes of Broad, Swann, Trott and captain Strauss all excelled. This last test match in particular showed signs of a promising few years ahead for England cricket.

Like many others in this country no doubt, I tend to really only watch England's big cricket matches - and they don't come any bigger than The Ashes. And, if 2005 is a benchmark, this sporting achievement will lift the whole of England in the coming days and weeks ahead. In this tricky time of recession, it will do us all - whether cricket-lovers or not - the power of good.

(Photo credit: Luke Redmond)