News
Search for rooftop fans of The Ashes
Thursday, 20 August 2009
THIS snap captures cricket fans watching from the roof of a pub as England won The Ashes four years ago – and now history could repeat itself with Australia back in town today (Thursday).
On September 12, 2005, England drew with the Aussies to win the series 2-1 at The Brit Oval in Kennington, leading to scenes of celebration across South London’s streets.
One amateur photographer raced down to the ground to take in the atmosphere and capture the mood with his camera.
Sashi Patel, 65, of Lambeth Road, managed to capture a shot of 26 cricket fans who had climbed on top of the Cricketers pub near the ground to watch the presentation of the Ashes trophy.
He later met one of those men by chance and now, with this series’ final test match starting at The Oval this week, Sashi is eager to find out who the other men in the photo are.
Sashi said: “Years ago, I put the picture on display in Josephine Avenue and this guy came along and said he was one of the people up on the roof.
“We had a long chat and he ended up buying a print – it would be so interesting to find the other guys up there and hear their stories.
“He told me that he got so excited that day he left work early and cycled up to The Oval and climbed on the roof.
“I remember the day itself. I had been following the series and it was definitely the most exciting Test series I’d seen.
“I had the radio on and it was getting more and more exciting so I thought I just have to get down there.
“I jumped on a bus to Brixton Hill and walked around The Oval. There were people everywhere, there was so much noise from people in the streets and the ground – it was an amazing atmosphere.”
England take on Australia at The Oval today, determined to win back The Ashes with the current series poised at 1-1.
- Do you recognise yourself in Sashi’s photo? If so call Michael Stringer on 020 8710 6443.
Email: michael.stringer@slp.co.uk
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