Tracing Bradman and Botham to Warne & Steve Waugh: Favourite Cricketers in The Ashes History

The storied rivalry between England and Australia cricket has been defined through iconic figures. Here, enthusiasts share personal most cherished stars across the men's Ashes series history.

Jonny Bairstow

On the topic of a favourite cricketer, the choice falls on Jonny Bairstow. His career during the Ashes perfectly captures the highs and lows of an England player. It started with the 2013 series, when he sacrificed his natural instincts to graft with the experienced Ian Bell. Later that year, he stepped up as a replacement for wicketkeeper the injured Matt Prior, facing the fearsome pace of Mitchell Johnson having no red-ball preparation for three months.

He had an Ashes-winning comeback in the 2015 series , plus remains the only English batter to have scored two Ashes hundreds on Australian soil since the year 2011, a feat accomplished in spite of intense media scrutiny. A poor series followed during the 2019 Ashes, although it featured a vital cameo at Headingley that aided the legendary Ben Stokes and Jack Leach. After returning in the 2023 series, a magnificent 99 not out in Manchester was cruelly denied a series-turning status due to persistent weather.

Syd Barnes

Few bowlers inspire such awe as the wonderful Syd Barnes. His performance taking 13 for 163 across 80 gruelling overs in the 1901-02 Ashes Test stands as testament to his skill. It's fascinating to ponder how much more he could have accomplished had he been an easier character to manage. Boasting an incredible 6,229 wickets with a cost of just 8.33 runs, he is regarded by many as the greatest bowler. Studying his statistics in childhood was utterly enthralling. He was a glorious bastard, simply incomparable. As MCC secretary Billy Griffith: “The extraordinary thing about him is that all his contemporaries considered him the best there was. There was never any doubt about it.”

Richie Benaud

For many, the ultimate Ashes cricketer is the legendary Richie Benaud. Starting high school during 1961 coincided with that year's Ashes, and the magic was provided by the glamorous skipper. He stood out like other cricketers; he possessed flair combined with audacity, a stark difference from the more traditional approach. He was articulate, charismatic leader who arrived with a reputation for playing positive, exciting cricket.

Memories from that season, where a permanent passion with cricket began, centre on the final day at Old Trafford. Glued to a television, a young fan watched the home side chase 256 runs. A promising beginning saw the dashing Ted Dexter construct what many consider one of the great knocks. However his dismissal for 76, caught by wicketkeeper Wally Grout bowled by Benaud. Optimism persisted as captain Peter May arriving to bat. Benaud bowled and May deflect it to leg. The next ball, Benaud bowled again outside the pads, the ball spun sharply from the rough to bowl him. May was out for zero, the hush palpable. Benaud sealed victory with figures 6 for 70 and the visitors kept the Ashes. A moment of mixed feelings—desperate for an English victory yet in awe of a true hero.

The Indefatigable Ian Botham

He is England's finest England cricketer. Relentless, inspirational, exceptional. Remember Headingley 1981, Old Trafford 1981, the triumphant tour of Australia, and his iconic comment about the bowler Merv Hughes. A hero not just for his philanthropy but also his tremendous fortitude.

The Underrated Harry Boyle

History often overlooks players such as Harry Boyle, who should rightfully be among any list of most important figures in the rivalry. He served as the legendary Spofforth's new-ball partner during the famous 1882 match, and his contribution was as vital as his partner's to secure victory. In fact, it was Boyle who dismissed Edmund Peate to clinch the match. Although Spofforth is celebrated as the pioneer of pace bowling, Boyle proved humble and retiring, consistently prioritising the collective. This humility resulted in his legacy being somewhat forgotten, even though at his passing highly regarded as an important personality in cricket's history.

Don Bradman

The choice has to be Sir Don Bradman. While Shane Warne is a legend, the monumental volume of scoring Bradman amassed versus England, combined with his tactical acumen, establishes his status as more than a cricket legend but as the definitive answer. An Ashes average nearly ninety, two triple centuries, and a brilliant double-hundred after an ingenious decision to flip the batting order to protect his senior players on a damp pitch in Melbourne during 1937.

Although not from his era, any cricket fan learns with his exploits in the 1930s , particularly, the Invincibles tour. While most remember the final duck preventing a three-figure average, others cherish images of his practice for hours using a water tank, and witnessing him endure the brutal Bodyline series and still emerge with a 56 average during a notoriously difficult series for batsmen. He endures as the greatest Ashes batter for countless fans.

The Cerebral Mike Brearley

He took the craft of captaincy, with its critical role, to unprecedented heights. He defined his era showing that success in the Ashes, especially down under, needed not just hard work and brute force. He motivated with considered, astute guidance, fostering a culture in which his team's true qualities could flourish. His reading of situations, the match state, and individuals excelled at the very moments a shift in momentum was needed.

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