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The storied rivalry between English and Australia cricket has been shaped through iconic figures. Within, supporters celebrate personal favourite stars from the men's Ashes series timeline.

The Pugnacious Bairstow

On the topic of a favourite cricketer, the pick falls on Jonny Bairstow. His career in Ashes contests aptly sums up the triumphs and tribulations for an England career. It started with the 2013 series, when he sacrificed his natural instincts to dig in alongside Ian Bell. That winter, he was promoted as a replacement for wicketkeeper Matt Prior, facing the formidable pace of Mitchell Johnson having no first-class preparation for months.

He had an Ashes-winning comeback in the 2015 series and remains the only England batter with two Ashes hundreds on Australian soil since 2011, a feat managed despite ferocious local press scrutiny. A poor series came in the 2019 Ashes, though it featured a vital contribution in the Leeds Test that aided the famous Ben Stokes and Jack Leach. After returning for 2023, a magnificent 99 not out at Old Trafford was cruelly denied a match-winning status due to inclement weather.

The Inimitable Syd Barnes

Few bowlers command such reverence as the wonderful Syd Barnes. His figures of 13 for 163 in 80 gruelling overs during the 1901-02 Ashes Test remains as a monument to his skill. One can only wonder what more he could have accomplished if he were an easier character to manage. Boasting an incredible haul of 6,229 wickets at an average of 8.33, many consider the finest bowler ever. Reading about his statistics as a youth proved utterly enthralling. He was magnificent rogue, simply without equal. In the words of cricket administrator Billy Griffith: “The extraordinary thing about him was that everyone who played with him considered him the greatest bowler. Never was there any doubt in their minds.”

The Charismatic Richie Benaud

For many, the ultimate Ashes cricketer is the iconic Richie Benaud. A move to secondary school in 1961 aligned with that year's Ashes, and the magic was conjured by the dashing Australian captain. Benaud stood out from the rest; with style combined with daring, offering difference from the more sedate English game. An eloquent, commanding captain who arrived known for attacking, thrilling cricket.

Vivid recollections of that summer, when a lifelong love affair for the game began, centre on the final day of Old Trafford. Glued to a television, the viewer saw the home side require 256 to win. A good start had Ted Dexter construct a widely acclaimed a magnificent knocks. Yet he fell for 76, caught by Wally Grout off the bowling of Benaud. Optimism persisted with captain Peter May arriving at the crease. A delivery from Benaud and May steer the ball to leg. Next up, Benaud bowled again outside leg, it turned sharply out of the footmarks and hit the stumps. May was out for a duck, the silence deafening. Benaud won the match with figures six for 70 , thus the visitors retained the urn. It was bittersweet feelings—wanting an England win but marvelling at an undeniable champion.

The Indefatigable Ian Botham

Simply put, he is the greatest England cricketer. Indefatigable, inspirational, exceptional. Remember his heroics at Headingley in '81, the exploits at Old Trafford that same year, the victorious 1986-87 Australian tour, and his iconic retort directed at the bowler Merv Hughes. An icon both for his philanthropy and his immense fortitude.

Harry Boyle

The annals sometimes forget figures like Harry Boyle, yet he deserves to certainly be among the top 100 key figures in Ashes history. He was Fred Spofforth's new-ball partner in the famous 1882 match, his role proved just as crucial as his partner's in securing victory. Indeed, he was the one who bowled Edmund Peate to win that historic game. While Spofforth is rightly hailed as the pioneer of modern fast bowling, Boyle was modest and self-effacing, always prioritising the collective. This humility resulted in his memory being somewhat forgotten, even though at his passing widely recognised as a pivotal figure in the sport's development.

Don Bradman

The answer has to be Sir Don Bradman. While Shane Warne is a legend, the sheer weight of scoring Bradman accumulated against England, combined with his tactical acumen, cements his status not just as a great player but as the only possible answer. An Ashes average just shy of ninety, two scores over 300, and a magnificent double after an ingenious move to reverse the lineup to protect his main batters from a damp wicket at the MCG in 1937.

Though not alive in his time, any cricket fan becomes familiar about his deeds in the early 1930s , particularly, the 1948 tour. Whilst most remember his last innings zero that denied him a 100+ average, others cherish footage of his practice for hours against a water tank, and witnessing him endure the brutal Bodyline series and still emerge with a 56 average in a torrid series for batsmen. He endures as the ultimate batsman in many eyes.

The Cerebral Mike Brearley

He elevated the craft of leadership, with its critical role, to unprecedented heights. He defined an era showing that winning in the Ashes, especially in Australia, needed not just hard work or power. He motivated through considered, intelligent leadership, fostering a culture where his players' true qualities could flourish. His reading of the game, conditions, and player psyches was masterful at the very moments a shift in momentum was needed.

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