England’s 2005 Ashes Winners – Where Now?
Ever wondered what the old England Cricketers do after they retire? England’s 2005 Ashes winners, where are they now?
Ian Bell ended a 21-year first-class career this week, when the top-order batsmen decided to hang up his boots and with it his iconic cover drive.
It’s true when they say you know when the time’s right, and unfortunately, my time is now.
It’s been a pleasure.
Thank you.
🏴🐻 pic.twitter.com/u7Altf9qpT— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) September 5, 2020
Bell went out with a bang, as the 188 times capped England man scored 140 runs in Warwickshire’s final Bob Willis Trophy match with Glamorgan. This, including 90 in the second innings. Certainly form befitting of the man, whilst leaving many questioning why he’s retiring.
With Bell saying his farewells, that means every member of the victorious and in many ways infamous 2005 Ashes-winning side have now called time on their playing career. So at Last Word On Sports, we thought what better then to check up on them all?
The Openers
Marcus Trescothick
Firstly, the destructive but classy left-hander who put the Aussies to the sword in the series which captured a nation has only recently finished playing, calling quits to his Somerset career in 2019.
Tres has since been helping out the current England senior and Lions side’s as a batting consultant whilst being employed at Taunton as an assistant coach.
Andrew Strauss
Secondly, a captain to be in 2005, Strauss was appointed Director of England cricket and was integral in the reform which has brought great recent successes. Unfortunately in 2018 Strauss resigned from his role to spend much time with his wife Ruth, who sadly passed late that same year.
Currently appears in the Sky Sports Cricket commentary team as well as fronting the Ruth Strauss Foundation.
The Captain
Michael Vaughan
El Capitano, the inspiration behind the 2005 victory and part of the monumental celebrations that followed. Another who appears on Sky Sports often, sharing his views and experiences with a new generation.
Also, Read – The Most Successful Captains In Ashes History
The Middle-Order
Kevin Pietersen
The enigma that is, despite his off-field critics, and the mess that followed thereafter, during the 2005 Ashes KP was truly sensational. Nobody who witnessed it will ever forget that blistering 158 at the Oval as the outrageous batsman did the unthinkable and took the attack to Lee, Warne, and McGrath.
Kevin Pietersen: Why we need to win the war against rhino poachers https://t.co/uuHcogmXIN
— Save the Rhino (@savetherhino) September 4, 2020
Seems to have called time on his extended T20 franchise career for a life in commentary boxes. Spends his time looking after the Rhinos. He is doing all he can to stop the Rhinos from being poached.
Paul Collingwood
Never was a more gutsy cricketer seen in world cricket. Played more than his part in the 2005 series, his batting, bowling, and fielding made him a crucial part of the side.
Since returning in 2018 whilst still with Durham, Collingwood has had numerous coaching and support staff roles, most recently with England as fielding coach.
The All-Rounder
Andrew Flintoff
Freddie, what more can be said that hasn’t already. A truly awe-inspiring all-rounder who always found a way to deliver in the big moments, in the face of many injuries. Well remember for getting the best of Adam Gilchrist in 2005, and the glazed eyed after party.
Watch – Andrew Flintoff’s All-Time XI
Part-time cricket pundit, full-time TV personality. Appeared on almost everything going, most regularly as team captain on A League of Their Own. A real character both on and off the pitch.
The Wicket Keeper
Geraint Jones
An underrated performer who had his moments with the bat, however best remembered for taking the catch to seal the Edgbaston Test match with the Aussies requiring just three to win.
Retired from first-class cricket in July 2015 whilst playing for Gloucestershire. Has since taken up a career in teaching and become a firefighter.
The Bowling Attack
Ashley Giles
The King of Spain. Integral to Vaughan’s side whilst rarely taking the headlines, ‘Gilo’ was an ever-present for England during much of his professional career.
Having had spells with Lancashire and Warwickshire as head coach, Giles is now England’s Director of Cricket.
Matthew Hoggard
The Shaggy heard swing bowler was a constant thorn in the Australian left-hander’s side, trapping them LBW time and time again.
After a Celebrity MasterChef appearance, Hoggard now does guest speaking whilst continuing to show off his culinary skills on social media.
Steve Harmison
Thirdly, the searing pace and fearsome bounce, not only the bowler to get England over the line at Edgbaston, perhaps the bowler of the greatest slower ball seen on English soil as he completely bamboozled Michael Clarke.
Went into football management with local side Ashington, now appears regularly on TalkSport.
Simon Jones
Last but not least, Simon Jones. Deserved a better playing career but for injury. Part of the incredible bowling attack which took apart Ricky Pointing’s Australia all summer. Also made Clarke look foolish with a vicious inswinger, left by the future Australian captain, only to be clean bowled.
Retired in 2013 after recovering from numerous injury problems, most recently working as a school coach in Cardiff.
No cricket fan in the world could argue with the quality in that squad, lets start a petition to see a legends match and get the Ashes 2005 rivals back out in the middle.
That concludes our article “Ashes 2005 Winners – where are they now?”
We hoped you enjoyed reading it.
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