Preview: The Aegean Test Championship
Join as we look ahead to the exciting clash between Greece and Troy, which many are calling an 'Epic not to be missed'
An air of anticipation dawns around this ancient and mighty city of Troy. Not for many years has this level of build-up greeted the opening day of the Aegean Test Cricket Championship. For ten long years the Trojans have held the trophy - which they have nicknamed ‘Helen’- as match after match resulted in prolonged draws. But this year, the Greeks have arrived with an air of certainty that they have the batting depth and bowling firepower to wrest the coveted statue from Troy and redress what they see as a decade of wrong.
History of the Conflict
It would be remiss, of course, not to cover the events that led to this serious and bitter rivalry that has dominated both sides of the wine-dark sea. The origin of this generation of hostility no doubt began with the arrival of a young all-rounder Paris, who had until that point been an unknown country boy playing primarily in sheep paddocks and wheat fields. The minute his raw talent emerged, however, he was courted by multiple major sponsors in the Cricket world. Despite the best offers that wealthy patrons Hera and Athena could muster, it was Aphrodite who signed the young tyro and set in motion a momentous series of events.
Emboldened by the patronage of his new sponsor, Paris played a starring role in the Trojan team that first wrested the Challenge Trophy off the bewildered Greeks who had so badly underestimated them. Menelaus had grown so confident in his victory that he had not even bothered to recruit any champions from other states, fielding only his own Spartan brethren. But Hector and his brother Paris hustled them so well that before the Spartans could realise what had happened, the Trojans were sailing back home in jubilation with the trophy secured.
Menelaus swiftly began plans to regain the trophy, summoning his brother Agamemnon and all the great players from around Greece for the following year. But 9 long years have past without a decisive result, as the dry plains of Troy have been entirely unconducive for wicket-taking. Priam expertly packed his team with dogged defenders and relentlessly accurate bowlers, ensuring that by the end of 4 long, hot days there was never a chance of a result - but the simmering anger between them has often boiled over into heated exchanges.
Now, however, after years of petitioning, the head of the Olympian Cricket Council, Zeus Almighty, has finally granted the Greek’s request for a fifth day of the match to be played. All bets are off as Agamemnon has gathered together his strongest possible line up to take the field. It remains to be see how Priam will respond to these new playing conditions, and what lies ahead of us across these five days.
Team Line Ups
Greece: Agamemnon has pulled out all the stops to get his strongest team on the field, yet his line-up still has a mix of ages and experience. Opening with the extremely dour and defensive Nestor, paired with the young and brash Protesilaus, could be a risky endeavour. A solid middle order is divided between the brothers Menelaus and Agamemnon, and the dashing pair of Odysseus and Diomedes. Greater Ajax will no doubt remain a bulwark behind the stumps, while the bowling line up is headlined by the out-and-out pace of Achilles, who also hits the ball a fair way. The remaining attack of Idomeneus, Teucer and Lesser Ajax are seen as the most likely to take wickets in these difficult conditions. Patroclus, that constant companion of Achilles, is unlucky to miss out but as 12th man is sure to see some time on the park.
Protesilaus
Nestor
Menelaus
Agamemnon (c)
Odysseus
Diomedes
Greater Ajax †
Achilles
Idomeneus
Teucer
Lesser Ajax
12th Man: Patroclus
Troy: Priam has stuck with his tried and true formula, many of whom fight not only for their city but for their family too. A solid opening pair of Sarpedon and Glaucus look set to lay a solid foundation, before the young Troilus gets his first chance at 3. Hector dominates the middle order, though it will be interesting to see if Paris can recapture some of his form with the bat from his younger years. The Trojan lower order is boosted by the arrival of allies Penthesilea and Memnon, before Priam ensures no quick route through the tail. Many have predicted a bright future for the young Aeneas, who joins the bowling attack with Deiphobus and Pandarus. The athletic Dolon misses out and is 12th man.
Sarpedon
Glaucus
Troilus
Hector
Paris
Penthesilea
Memnon †
Priam (c)
Aeneas
Deiphobus
Pandarus
12th Man: Dolon
Conditions
The Ilion Oval, which has hosted the 9 previous matches, looks once again to be a great strip for batting. The grass is short and dry, meaning the ball will race to the boundary when force is applied. The pitch itself has a smattering of grass covering but despite all efforts to water it before the match, it has already begun to burn off. It seems likely that once the new ball has worn away, it will be tough work for the bowlers - unless they can harness the new reverse swing that the Greeks have touted as their secret weapon.
Sponsors
Ever since Paris scorned Athena and Hera, they have supported the Greek cause. Frustrated with the lack of results, Athena has offered additional incentives to the Greek players - huge rewards for 5 wicket bags and hundreds. It remains to be seen whether this will be the major motivating factor in their performances.
Join us as our coverage continues…
We will provide regular updates on the events of the coming days, including analysis, quotes and insider information. Make sure you subscribe for what will be the most epic showdown of our times!
Is Achilles Glenn McGrath?