LONDON — Twenty years on from the iconic 2005 Ashes series, England fast bowler Simon Jones has opened up about the unforgettable summer that defined a generation of cricket fans. In a new BBC Sport documentary available on iPlayer, Jones relives the highs, the heartbreaks, and the legacy of a series that saw England reclaim the urn for the first time in 18 years.
The 2005 Ashes is often hailed as one of the greatest Test series of all time, a five-match thriller that captivated the nation. Jones, then 26, played a pivotal role with his reverse swing and raw pace, taking 18 wickets at an average of 21.00 before a cruel knee injury ruled him out of the decisive fifth Test at The Oval. Reflecting on the experience, he said, "We felt like Premier League footballers. The whole country was behind us—it was surreal."
The Making of a Legendary Series
The series began with a nail-biting two-run victory for England at Lord’s, but it was the second Test at Edgbaston that became the stuff of legend. Chasing 282, Australia fell just two runs short in a dramatic finale. Jones, who took five wickets in the match, recalled the tension: "The atmosphere was electric. When [Michael] Kasprowicz gloved that ball down the leg side, the place erupted. We knew then we could beat them."
The third Test at Old Trafford ended in a draw, thanks to a defiant last-wicket stand from Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath. But it was the fourth Test at Trent Bridge where Jones’ career took a devastating turn. After taking five wickets in the first innings, he suffered a catastrophic knee injury while fielding, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. "I knew straight away it was bad. The pain was unbearable, but the emotional hurt was worse," he admitted.
The Aftermath: A Career Cut Short
Jones never played Test cricket again. Despite multiple surgeries and comebacks, his body couldn’t withstand the demands of international cricket. By 2009, he had retired from first-class cricket altogether. "It’s hard not to wonder what could’ve been. I was at my peak, and then it was gone," he said, reflecting on the abrupt end to his career.
The documentary delves into the psychological toll of his injury, including:
- The loneliness of rehabilitation
- The frustration of watching teammates continue without him
- The struggle to find purpose post-retirement
The Legacy of 2005
Despite the personal heartbreak, Jones takes immense pride in his contribution to England’s triumph. "That series changed English cricket. It inspired a generation—kids wanted to be Freddie [Flintoff], KP [Pietersen], or me. That’s something I’ll always cherish."
The documentary also features interviews with teammates, including Andrew Flintoff and Michael Vaughan, who credit Jones as a key architect of the victory. Vaughan said, "Simon’s reverse swing was unplayable. Without him, I’m not sure we’d have won that series."
Looking Ahead
Now 45, Jones has found a new role as a bowling coach and commentator. He remains a beloved figure in cricket circles, often reminiscing about 2005 with fans. "People still stop me in the street to talk about it. That summer will live with me—and England—forever."
The BBC Sport documentary, "The Ashes 2005: The Untold Stories," offers an intimate look at the series through the eyes of those who lived it. For Jones, it’s a chance to celebrate the highs and confront the lows. "It’s bittersweet, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, maybe just that knee injury," he joked.
As the 20th anniversary approaches, the documentary serves as a poignant reminder of a series that transcended sport. For Jones and his teammates, it was more than just cricket—it was the summer that made them legends.