The gloves are off for the Ashes
In final preparation for their fight to regain the Ashes this summer, England cricketer’s Andrew Strauss (Captain), Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood joined Olympic gold medal winning boxer James DeGale in the ring today, for a training session organised by team sponsor Vodafone. The three England players were put through their paces with a series of boxing exercise drills under the watchful eye of the Olympic Champion.
The training session was a far cry from the training ground at Lord’s, as the cricketer’s swapped the nets for the ropes at DeGale’s local boxing gym, the L.A Academy in Loughton, Essex. The event supports team sponsor Vodafone’s latest cricket offering, the Nightwatchman – the ultimate video companion to the Ashes. Presented by roving reporter, Dougie Anderson, the series of behind the scenes insights into the England Team will give viewers a unique perspective on the sport and this summer’s Ashes tournament.
Boxing is an exercise often used by the England Cricket Team to improve cardiovascular fitness and the event put the players’ strength and fitness to the test ready for the knock out summer of cricket ahead. England Captain Andrew Strauss enjoyed meeting the Olympic Champion:
“It was great to meet James DeGale today through our relationship with Vodafone and we all came away with a real insight into what it takes to become an Olympic champion. As England cricketers, we are always keen to learn from anyone who is at the top of their sport and Jamie’s enthusiasm for boxing is infectious. We will be following his boxing career with interest – and we know that he will be right behind the England team in the Ashes.”
After his success winning gold at the Beijing Olympics, DeGale turned professional at the end of last year and with two wins under his belt already, he’s already established himself as a serious contender for the world title. Having faced an array of different opponents, he reflects on sparring with an England cricket captain, a world-class batsman and an all-rounder nicknamed ‘Hardman’:
“It’s been a pleasure to put the guys through their paces and give them a taste of training as a boxer. The two sports are obviously very different but both still require a high level of fitness and mental strength. From what I’ve seen today, the guys are determined and I’m confident they’ll give the Aussies a good fight.”
For more information on the Nightwatchman from Vodafone and to view the promo video starring Graham Swann, visit www.vodafone.co.uk/cricket. The series, which will also be promoted on Facebook and can be accessed using the new HTC Magic, exclusive to Vodafone, will be coming to you for the start of the Ashes.
Grapefruit Graphics were responsible for all the Vodafone livery and had to work to an extremely tight deadline whilst providing first class branding which was to be easily removed after the event.