It’s the most wonderful time of the year

The Cave can see who receives this email. It has met, with varying frequency, a reasonable amount of those people. As a result, it knows - with a good degree of certainty - that this section is sure to be either widely ignored or wildly unpopular. 

But who cares? Because today, the Ashes begin.

For those who are not cricket fans (and yet, are still reading for some reason), the Ashes is the single occasion when the sport breaks through into the broader public consciousness.

The Western Australian dedicated multiple front pages to England cricketers walking through Perth airport. The Guardian named its top 100 male Ashes stars. The hamstrings, ribcages, and backs of players have been examined and discussed in great detail.

It’s the only time when the friendly rivalry between England and Australia, characterised by a thin veil of terrible banter draped over a deep love for the other’s country, acquires some real edge. Cheating Aussies and whinging Poms and all that.

It’s also incredibly important for the health of the sport. Cricket Australia, the governing body, last recorded a net surplus in 2018-19. The cash this summer will generate is quite literally irreplaceable. 

What’s the point of all this? It could be to note the enduring power of major events to briefly break us out of filter bubbles. It could be to welcome the momentary reemergence of ‘old media’ to lead the agenda.

But honestly, there is absolutely no point to this section other than to celebrate the start of a six week stretch of glorious sport that could define conversations and memories for decades to come. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.