Cryptic crossword No 1,274

As this year's Ashes series draws to a close, I thought I'd have a go at making a themed crossword. Hope you have as much fun solving it as I did setting it! For those unfamiliar with the game, I've provided some additional explanations with the solutions.

Absolutely brilliant - full to the brim with thematic entries and beautiful surface readings. Favourites were 7,8,9d & 30a. Thanks for sharing

Well, that was fun. And (7d) I've learned something I didn't know before. Thank you. One spoilery comment in reply.