Ashes Cricket 2009 Big Editor
BIG Editor (primarily version 1.0 by AbBh) is a fundamental tool for modding Ashes Cricket 2009
on PC. It allows users to access and modify the game's internal archive file, async.big.w32
, which contains nearly all resources including textures, models, and audio. Core Functionalities
The tool provides three primary actions for managing game files: Replace/Rebuild Texture Modding
: This is the most common use. You can replace default textures for player kits, bats, and stadiums with custom high-definition DDS or PNG files. Sound Modification
: The editor supports playing and replacing in-game sounds with Resource Access
: It exposes the game's file system, allowing advanced users to access AI files, menus, and 3D models. Common Modding Tasks Installing Custom Bats
Locate the existing bat company in the editor (e.g., "Bradbury"). to find the (diffuse) and (specular) files.
Replace these with your downloaded mod files to update the bat's appearance. Updating Team Kits Search for a team (e.g., "INDIA"). Find the specific kit path (e.g., characters/kits/india/odi/ Extract the original for backup, then use the function to import new kit textures. Technical Setup & Troubleshooting
: The editor builds a "Cache" file on its first launch to improve future loading speeds. It may require the latest DirectX runtime to open correctly. Path Errors ashes cricket 2009 big editor
: If the editor fails to find the game, you may need to manually update the Windows Registry path under
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow64Node\Codemasters\Ashes 2009 "File Error" Fix : If you cannot open async.big.w32 , ensure the file is not marked as "Read-only" in its Windows properties. Dependencies : Some versions require the .NET Framework 4.0 J# runtimes to function alongside other tools like the AC09 Mod Manager Complementary Tools While the BIG Editor handles files, the AC09 Player Editor
is used to edit player stats, names, and roster details stored in Further Exploration
View the original release and community troubleshooting on the PlanetCricket BIG Editor Forum Learn specific techniques for replacing DDS kit files in a step-by-step guide. Player Editor Readme for details on modifying rosters and player skills. Are you looking to install a specific type of mod
, like updated 2024 rosters or high-definition stadium textures? AC09 BIG Editor v1.0 | Page 67 - PlanetCricket
The AC09 BIG Editor, originally developed by AbBh, is a foundational tool for modding Ashes Cricket 2009
. It allows users to browse and modify the game's primary resource archive, async.big.w32, which contains nearly all textures, kits, and models. Key Features of the BIG Editor
Archive Management: Browse and edit the async.big.w32 file to customize in-game resources.
Resource Extraction/Replacement: Extract original files (like .texpack for kits) and replace them with custom community-made mods, such as new team jerseys or gear. BIG Editor (primarily version 1
Caching System: On its first run, the editor builds a directory hierarchy and saves it as a "Cache" file to speed up subsequent loading times. How to Use the BIG Editor
Launch: Run the editor as an administrator. If it fails to open, you may need to install the latest DirectX runtime or verify the game's installation path in your PC's registry (regedit) under Codemasters > Ashes 2009.
Locate Resources: Use the search function (top-right) to find specific texture packs. For example, typing "INDIA" will help you find national team kits. Replace Files: Select the desired file (e.g., a .dds texture or kit file). Go to File > Extract to create a backup first.
Select File > Replace and choose your new modded file from your computer.
Save Changes: The editor typically updates the game files directly upon replacement, but ensure you follow any specific mod manager instructions if using tools like the AC09 Mod Manager. Essential Modding Community Links
For the latest patches and community support, refer to these active hubs on PlanetCricket:
AC09 BIG Editor v1.0 Official Thread: The primary source for the tool and troubleshooting.
Ashes Cricket 2009 Downloads Forum: Repository for kits, faces, and stadium mods.
Player Editor Readme: Instructions for a separate tool used to edit player stats and lineups. AC09 BIG Editor v1.0 | Page 67 - PlanetCricket Key Features:
Key Features:
- Extraction: Unpack textures, 3D models, and database files (
.dbe). - Replacement: Swap in high-resolution kit textures, bat models, or ad boards.
- Editing: Modify roster data (player names, attributes, likenesses) without hex editing.
- Repacking: Rebuild
.bigfiles so the game loads your custom content seamlessly.
Without this editor, the PC version of Ashes Cricket 2009 would be frozen in time, stuck with 2009 rosters, outdated kits, and no career mode tweaks. With it, you can transform the game into a modern cricket simulation.
2. Roster Editing (Without the In-Game Limits)
The in-game editor is slow and restrictive. The Big Editor allows you to export the user.dat or roster files into a readable XML format.
- Change Retired Players: Bring back players who retired in 2009 (like Warne or McGrath) or remove them entirely.
- Adjust Attributes: Want to make a tailender actually bat like a tailender? You can tweach batting averages and bowling speeds numerically, far beyond the slider limits.
- Fix Names: Fix the fake player names for unlicensed teams (e.g., changing "S. Marsh" to "S. Smith").
Part 3: How to Install the Ashes Cricket 2009 Big Editor
Part 8: The Future – Is the Big Editor Still Being Updated?
The original developer of the Big Editor abandoned the project around 2011. However, in 2023-2024, a new wave of coders (going by the names Raven and Mastersoon) released an unofficial v2.0 that supports batch importing and drag-and-drop.
New features in community-driven forks:
- Bulk export of all textures.
- Automatic
.bigvalidation (checks for CRC errors before saving). - Support for edit-locked files (using a brute-force unpacker).
Warning: Only download these forks from trusted forum threads. The original v1.2 is the most stable for beginners.
Final Verdict
| Aspect | Rating (out of 10) | |--------|-------------------| | Features | 8 | | Ease of Use | 6 | | Stability | 6 | | Community Support | 8 | | Documentation | 7 | | Overall | 7/10 (Good) |
5. The "Community Factor"
You cannot review the Big Editor without reviewing the ecosystem it created. The tool is the engine that drove the modding community. Because the editor made files accessible, texture modders were able to inject new stadiums, overlays, and bats into the game. The Big Editor was the key that unlocked the door for total conversion mods (like the famous "IPL Patches").
A Note on Community
Most of the knowledge about this editor lives on the PlanetCricket.net forums. The members there have created patches, roster updates, and even HD texture packs using this tool. If you run into a "Null Reference Exception" error or a corrupted save file, those forums are your hospital.
Part 4: A Tour of the Editor Interface
Once you open a .big file, the Big Editor shows a two-panel layout:
| Left Panel | Right Panel |
|------------|--------------|
| Folder hierarchy (e.g., models/players/, textures/kits/) | List of individual files (.dds, .xml, .3ds, .dbe) |
| Tree view of the archive | Hex preview or raw data view |