As absurd as it may sound but according to 'The Daily Telegraph', these are omens signalling an England win in the match starting tomorrow at The Oval. The series is currently tied 1-1.
"Usain Bolt has broken the 100 metres world record in Berlin. The last time the sprint record was broken in the German capital was in 1956 when Willie Williams of the US ran 10.1 seconds.
In the same week, Jim Laker took 19 wickets at Old Trafford to ensure England would retain the Ashes," the newspaper said in a report headlined 'England's Ashes Omens'.
Late 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson probably would have had no clue that every chart-topping album of spelt good luck for the England cricket team.
"Until the start of this series, England have won every single home Test they have played while Michael Jackson is top of the album charts. In 1983, when Thriller was at No 1, England beat New Zealand at The Oval.
"In 1995, England's win against the West Indies at Lord's came in the week History hit the top spot, and while Blood on the Dance Floor was conquering the charts in June 1997, England were polishing off Australia at Edgbaston," the report said.
"The Essential Michael Jackson is sitting on top of the charts at the moment," the report said.
The ongoing political unrest in Iran may be a cause of concern world over but England cricket fans can rejoice because their team's Ashes fortunes brighten up every time that country faces such a crisis.
"This month has seen huge demonstrations in Iran as a result of the disputed presidential election. Political unrest in Iran has been an encouraging sign for England's Ashes chances – the Iranian Revolution on Feb 1, 1979 coincided with England winning the fifth Test in Adelaide to wrap up an Ashes series win, while on Aug 19, 1953, the day England won the Ashes back at the Oval after 19 years, the Shah was overthrown in a US-backed coup d'etat," the newspaper stated.
Another good omen for England is rock band U2's upcoming concert at the Wembley stadium.
"The last time they graced the north-west London venue, on Aug 23, 1997, England were wrapping up a 23-run win over Australia at The Oval."
Even Quentin Tarantino is bringing in the good luck for England with his latest film Inglourious Basterds.
"Inglourious Basterds is loosely based on an Italian film of the same name. That film last received a cinema release in 1981 – another of England's Ashes-winning years," the report said.
