The key difference between the two fantasy species is that wyverns have two legs and wings whilst a dragon is quadrupedal with separate wings on their back. However, having spent some time reading through fan discussions of the game it turns out that the creatures in Century are actually wyverns. This week, with an already memorable Ashes series to be levelled, is very much a case of be here now.I began my preview of Century: Age of Ashes a few months back with a lengthy discussion of dragons in gaming from Spyro to Lair. Stokes gave a short, sharp “no” when asked if that statistic had any relevance. That loss was against Australia four years ago, however, Steve Smith’s double century dousing the flames of Headingley to ensure the urn was retained, and you have to go back to 1981 for England’s last Ashes win in M16. Old Trafford, sold out for all five days and now boasting a second hotel on site, is also a happy hunting ground for England, their past 16 Tests here returning 13 wins, two draws and one defeat. Last summer, against an admittedly callow South Africa lineup (not least when compared to an Australia side that will have Alex Carey slated at No 8) they won at the Oval despite a washed out day one and day two being abandoned because of the death of the Queen. For Jimmy to still be doing what he’s doing at 40 years old – that should be an inspiration to up-and-coming bowlers about what you can achieve if you look after yourself.”Įngland at least have recent history in this respect, the victory in Leeds last week secured in 230 overs or in effect two‑and‑a‑half days. Jimmy has been an incredible gift to English cricket, as has Broady as well. “I don’t want to think about the day when we don’t have them walking out, representing England,” Stokes said, on the eve of the match. But with that technology in the realms of science fiction at the time of writing, and just five Tests in India between now and next July, it is hard to escape a nagging sense of the endgame approaching us here. McCullum and Ben Stokes could be forgiven for wishing it was a cryogenic facility that they could keep Anderson and Broad in deep freeze between series, before popping them in the microwave when conditions suit.

A three-minute blast of minus 70C (minus 94F) air freshened up bodies and minds before the return to the Ashes cauldron, the players apparently left in hysterics at Anderson’s hair frosting over like a yeti.

One-percenters are part of the longevity and on the eve of this crunch match the pair visited a cryotherapy clinic in nearby Hale, along with another greybeard in Chris Woakes and the younger (unselected) Ollie Robinson.

Century ages of ashes