The Ashes are virtually done and dusted, with Australia winning it “in straight sets,” as their captain Patrick Cummins put it. At this time, it is worth remembering Russell Crowe's famous taunting of the 'Englishmen' after the 2013-14 edition of The Ashes. After Australia’s win at Perth, reclaiming the Urn from England after years of dominance by them, Crowe wrote, "There are Englishmen alive today that will never in their lifetime see England hold the ashes again. I have pity for your pain and suffering." The statement echoed one of the lines from Crowe's heroic films, such as Gladiator or Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
Ironic it would seem, in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, set during the Napoleonic Wars, Russell Crowe played an English Ship Captain trying to attack the French vessel, Acheron. At one point of the film, he gives a motivational speech to his crew before they engage the Acheron. Ironically, he uses a line to stir up a strong sense of patriotism among his team: "For England, for home, and for the prize!" Only, in the context of the marquee cricket event, he was not rooting for England.
While Crowe’s prediction about England never winning The Ashes did not become real, it has aged well in the context of the Ashes down under. After their victorious campaign in 2011, England is yet to win a Test match in Australia. Interestingly, his prediction of Australia winning again in 2025 has become true as well. In November, he responded to a user asking for his Ashes prediction, tweeting, “As much as I love the place, it’s not going to be England Sunshine!”
Crowe is an avid cricket fan, who advocates for the five-day game, and a proud Australian.