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The Ashes, the most iconic rivalry in Test cricket, continues to capture the imagination of fans as the 2025–26 edition approaches. With the first Test scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth, the cricketing world is already immersed in debates, predictions and nostalgia. From memorable battles to individual brilliance, the Ashes has produced some of the finest moments in cricket history, and with another chapter about to unfold, legends of the game are once again revisiting the greatest performers to have graced this prestigious contest in the modern era.
Stuart Broad and Ricky Ponting name combined Ashes XI of the 21st century
Adding to the pre-series excitement, former England pacer Stuart Broad and Australian great Ricky Ponting have collaborated to pick their combined Ashes XI of the 21st century. The duo’s selections reflect a blend of unparalleled batting dominance, all-round brilliance and match-winning bowling firepower that has shaped Ashes cricket over the last two decades.
Matthew Hayden – Opener (Australia)
One of the most dominant openers of his era, Hayden terrorised bowling attacks with his power, footwork and fearless strokeplay. His performances in Ashes cricket, especially in Australia, set the tone for many series wins. His ability to blunt the new ball and accelerate later made him an automatic pick.
Alastair Cook – Opener (England)
One of England’s best opener, Cook was the definition of resilience and patience. His legendary 766-run Ashes series in 2010–11 remains one of the greatest performances by any visiting opener in Australia. His unmatched consistency and monumental innings make him the perfect foil to Hayden.
Ricky Ponting – No. 3 (Australia)
One of the most successful captains and most prolific No. 3 batters in history, Ponting dominated bowlers with his pull shot, aggression and mental toughness. His leadership and ability to change the tempo of a match made him a modern Ashes giant, scoring over 2,500 runs against England.
Joe Root – No. 4 (England)
Root is England’s all-time leading run-getter and most technically complete batter of the 21st century, with elegance and consistency that few can match. He has carried England’s batting for years and remains the backbone of their Ashes hopes. His adaptability and long-standing presence at the crease make him indispensable. Fans are expecting high from the former English skipper to shine down under as his record is not impressive on Australian soil.
Steve Smith – No. 5 (Australia)
Smith’s Ashes record is nothing short of phenomenal. With multiple series-defining centuries and superhuman consistency, he has tormented England like no one since Don Bradman. His unconventional technique but extraordinary hand-eye coordination make him one of the greatest Ashes batters ever.
Ben Stokes – All-rounder (England)
A generational match-winner, Stokes has produced some of the most iconic Ashes moments—none bigger than the Headingley miracle in 2019. His all-round ability, leadership, fighting spirit and knack for turning impossible situations into victories makes him an automatic pick in any Ashes XI. The upcoming Ashes will be one of his biggest captaincy test.
Adam Gilchrist – Wicketkeeper (Australia)
Gilchrist revolutionised the wicketkeeper-batter role with his fearless, game-changing batting at No. 7. His ability to shift momentum in a single session and his safe hands behind the stumps made him a massive weapon for Australia. Few keepers have influenced Ashes contests like the South Australian superstar.
Shane Warne – Leg-spinner (Australia)
The greatest leg-spinner the game has ever seen, Warne’s battles in the Ashes are the stuff of legend. From the ‘Ball of the Century’ legacy to countless match-winning spells, Warne mesmerised batters with drift, dip and turn. His big-moment ability makes him the heart of the XI.
Pat Cummins – Captain & Fast bowler (Australia)
Cummins has been Australia’s pace spearhead with his relentless accuracy, bounce and big-match temperament. As captain, he led Australia to an Ashes retention in 2023. His fitness, discipline and wicket-taking ability across conditions make him the modern leader of a dream XI.
Stuart Broad – Fast bowler (England)
Broad, the second-highest Ashes wicket-taker behind Warne, has produced unforgettable spells—especially against Australia. His 8/15 at Trent Bridge in 2015 and repeated domination of top-order batters showcased his genius. His record in Ashes contests alone makes him an automatic choice.
Glenn McGrath – Fast bowler (Australia)
McGrath’s accuracy, seam movement and relentless discipline earned him legendary status in Ashes battles. With 157 Ashes wickets—the most by any fast bowler—he was Australia’s long-term tormentor of English batters. His consistency at both ends of a pitch makes him the ideal strike bowler.
James Anderson’s absence raises eyebrows
However, one major omission has triggered widespread debate—the absence of England’s greatest-ever fast bowler, James Anderson. In the 21st century, Anderson’s numbers stand unmatched among fast bowlers:
- Most Test wickets by a fast bowler: 704
- Most Test matches played by a fast bowler: 188
- First bowler to take 1,000 first-class wickets in the 21st century
- Oldest bowler to take both a 5-wicket and 10-wicket haul in Tests
Across two decades, Anderson showcased extraordinary skill, mastery of swing and remarkable longevity—qualities that made him one of the most influential figures in Test cricket. Though retired now, he remains an era-defining bowler whose Ashes contributions include several unforgettable spells.
His omission from the combined XI, despite his superior numbers and consistency, has naturally sparked conversations among fans and experts. Many believe Anderson’s record alone should have made him an automatic selection.
Also READ: Australia or England? James Anderson picks the favourites of Ashes 2025-26
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