5 underrated Ashes performances over the years

3.Gray Pratt runs out Punter, Trent Bridge, 2005:

Ponting walking back after being run-out

It is highly unlikely we will ever see Gray Pratt play a Test match, but he will go down in history as an English Ashes hero, for his pivotal role in an incredible series. Pratt’s direct hit to run Ricky Ponting out for 48, sent the Aussie captain into a fit of rage and made Pratt an instant celebrity.

Ponting was angered by England’s use of substitute fielders. He had a verbal duel with the English players after losing his wicket. Duncan Fletcher, the then England coach said after the game, “I smiled at Ricky, he didn’t smile back. He was in a terrible temper for some reason. Quite why, he was blaming me, when his partner Damien Martyn called him for a suicidal single to cover.”

Pratt, meanwhile, briefly enjoyed the high life, he made it to the celebration photo and supposedly stayed up all night drinking with Andrew Flintoff before meeting the Prime Minister. He also got a pair of boots and a signed photo from Ponting. Something he will remember for the rest of his life and truly an underrated performance.