The Ashes is arguably the pinnacle of cricket. The fiercely contested rivalry between England and Australia has long been a stage where legends are born and legacies are cemented. However, over the past year, the coveted urn has had to take a back seat on the global stage, and it will continue to do so for another 14 months.
That’s because, since last summer’s series on English soil, there have already been two World Cups that have taken place. The Aussies famously reigned supreme in the 50-over tournament late last year, dispatching hosts India on enemy territory in shocking fashion. Then, earlier this summer, the Men in Blue had their revenge as they claimed the 20 over crown, marking their first piece of silverware in 13 years.
Next Ashes Series
Next winter – or summer if you’re in the Land Down Under – the Ashes will retake their rightful place on centre stage as England heads to Australia for the latest clash of the titans. It’s the Baggy Greens that the latest cricket betting odds make the 1,61 favorites to win the series and retain the Urn for the tenth consecutive year. The tourists have been pushed out to 3.60, and with their recent form on Aussie soil, it’s unsurprising. England haven’t won a test match in the land of their rivals since 2011, losing 13 in the process, and they will have to put that right if they are to be competitive.
However, despite England’s repeated beatdowns in the Land Down Under, some of their players have managed to save face by performing impressively. Here are the best Ashes performers in recent years.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith’s name has become synonymous with Ashes success. His uncanny ability to accumulate runs in seemingly impossible conditions has made him a thorn in England’s side ever since his initial call-up to the Australian starting lineup, initially as a leg-spinner. Since transitioning into an out-and-out batsman, he has gone on to become arguably the greatest player on the planet, and his incredible average of 56.97 is one of the best posted.
The Sydney-born star’s 2019 Ashes performance stands out as one of the most remarkable comebacks in cricket history. Returning from a year-long suspension, Smith amassed 774 runs in just four Tests at an average of 110.57, including three centuries and two fifties. His batting average is only bettered by the great Don Bradman, and he posted an even better average 18 months prior when he amassed runs at an astonishing rate of 139.14.
Now at the ripe old age of 35, Smith’s unorthodox batting style and relentless concentration make him the cornerstone of the Baggy Greens, despite father time looming large. He will be aiming for one last hurrah next year, scoring runs left right, and centre in a bid to cling on to the urn once again.
Ben Stokes
While Steve Smith has been the star of the show for the Aussies, there can be no denying that Ben Stokes is England’s priceless gem. The New Zealand-born all-rounder has proven time and again that he is the man for the big occasion, single-handedly winning matches for his team despite the odds overwhelmingly being against him.
The current England skipper has etched his name into Ashes folklore with a series of heroic performances that have swung the momentum in England’s favor. His 2019 Headingley heroics are something that will never be forgotten.
Chasing an improbable target of 359 and with his teammates tumbling with regular abundance, Stokes’ unbeaten 135 guided England to a miraculous one-wicket victory. In the final hour of that knock, England had one wicket in hand, but Stokes was unfazed, smashing the ball all around Leeds to help his side to an unexpected victory against all odds.
Stokes’ ability to perform under pressure, with both bat and ball, makes him a versatile asset for his country. His all-around contributions often galvanize his teammates, and his never-say-die attitude exemplifies the spirit of the Ashes. But one thing he has not been able to do throughout his incredible career is to lead his country to victory in the Land Down Under. He will be aiming to change that in a year.
Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja may not have the same headline-grabbing statistics as some of his contemporaries, but his contributions to Australia’s recent Ashes campaigns have been significant. Known for his elegance and composure at the crease, the batting veteran has played several crucial innings that have stabilized his country’s top order. For years, the Pakistani-born batsman came in for plenty of criticism and was dropped from the Australian lineup for years.
However, he was thrust back into the limelight in the fourth test of the 2021/22 Ashes Series, and he proceeded to hit centuries in both his innings. From there, he has gone on to become one of his country’s standout players. He was the top scorer for the Baggy Greens in their successful retention of the Urn last summer, scoring 497 runs including a blistering 141 in the opener at Edgbaston. At the age of 37, he might not make it to the next series next year, but if he does he certainly has the potential to be a difference maker.
