2017-18 ASHES SQUAD
PORTRAIT SERIES
In late 2017 I was fortunate enough to be commissioned by Cricket Australia to provide portraits of the upcoming Ashes test squad. Held roughly every two years, the Ashes is one of cricket's oldest and most prestigious trophies, and one of sports greatest rivalries. In the lead up to the ashes, the final squad lineup is kept tightly under wraps. As such, I was given a list of prospective players just a week in advance of the final public announcement. The list consisted of the most likely players to be selected, and several others who may be selected as last minute replacements. 18 portraits in total, and only a week to deliver. Below is the result of that weeks work, and a little more information on the Test itself.
STEVE SMITH
PAT CUMMINS
DAVID WARNER
MITCHELL MARSH
ORIGINS OF THE ASHES
The origins of the Ashes reach back to 1882 when Australia claimed their first ever test victory over the U.K. on English soil; essentially beating them at their own game. British newspaper “The Sporting Times” published a satirical obituary, claiming that cricket had died, and that "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”. English captain Ivo Bligh vowed to “regain those Ashes”, and so began a fierce rivalry that stands to this day.