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The legendary contest between England and Australia teams is illuminated through iconic players. Here, fans share personal most cherished cricketers from the men's Ashes history.

Jonny Bairstow

When asked about a favourite cricketer, the pick falls on Jonny Bairstow. His journey during the Ashes aptly captures the highs and lows for an English player. It started with 2013, when he tempered his attacking instincts to dig in alongside the experienced Ian Bell. Later that year, he was promoted as a replacement for wicketkeeper Matt Prior, confronting the fearsome pace of Mitchell Johnson having no red-ball preparation for three months.

He had a series-winning return during the 2015 series , plus is the sole English batter to have scored two Ashes hundreds on Australian soil after the year 2011, an achievement accomplished in spite of intense local press attention. A poor series came in the 2019 Ashes, though it featured a vital cameo in the Leeds Test assisting the famous Ben Stokes and Jack Leach. Post-injury for the 2023 series, a stunning 99 not out at Manchester was cruelly robbed of a series-turning status by persistent rain.

Syd Barnes

Few bowlers inspire such reverence like the wonderful Syd Barnes. His performance taking 13 wickets across 80 overs in the 1901-02 Ashes Test remains as testament to his skill. It's fascinating to ponder how much more he might have achieved if he were a less difficult man to handle. Boasting an incredible haul of 6,229 wickets with an average of 8.33 runs, many consider the finest bowler ever. Reading about his records as a youth proved utterly captivating. What a a glorious bastard, simply without equal. In the words of cricket administrator Billy Griffith: “The extraordinary thing regarding him is that everyone who played with him thought him the greatest bowler. There was never a single doubt in their minds.”

The Charismatic Richie Benaud

For many, the favourite Ashes cricketer remains the iconic Richie Benaud. A move to secondary school during 1961 coincided with the Ashes series, where the excitement was provided by the glamorous Australian captain. Benaud stood out from the rest; with style and daring, offering contrast to the seemingly traditional English game. An articulate, commanding leader who came known for attacking, exciting cricket.

Vivid recollections of that summer, when a lifelong love affair with cricket was formed, focus on the final day of Old Trafford. Glued to the broadcast, a young fan saw the home side chase 256 runs. A good start had the dashing Ted Dexter construct what many consider one of the great Ashes innings. However his dismissal for 76, caught by wicketkeeper Wally Grout bowled by Benaud. Hope remained as captain Peter May arriving at the crease. Benaud bowled and May steer the ball to leg. The next ball, Benaud bowled again outside leg, the ball spun sharply out of the footmarks to bowl him. The captain was dismissed for a duck, the hush palpable. Benaud won the match taking six for 70 , thus Australia retained the urn. It was mixed feelings—desperate for an England win but marvelling at a true hero.

Ian Botham

Simply put, he is the greatest all-rounder. Relentless, heroic, brilliant. Remember his heroics at Headingley in '81, Old Trafford 1981, the victorious 1986-87 Australian tour, not forgetting his famous comment directed at Merv Hughes. An icon both for his charity work and his tremendous strength of character.

Harry Boyle

The annals sometimes forget figures like Harry Boyle, yet he deserves to rightfully be in the top 100 most important cricketers in the rivalry. Boyle was the legendary Spofforth's new-ball partner in the famous 1882 match, his role proved just as crucial as Spofforth's to secure the win. In fact, he was the one who bowled Edmund Peate to win the match. While Spofforth is celebrated as the father of pace bowling, Boyle proved humble and self-effacing, always putting the team first. This modesty resulted in his legacy becoming overshadowed, despite he was widely recognised as a pivotal figure in the sport's development.

Don Bradman

The answer must be Don Bradman. Whilst leg-spinner Shane Warne is a legend, the sheer weight of runs he 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 90, two scores over 300, including a magnificent double after an ingenious decision to reverse the lineup to protect his senior players from a damp wicket at the MCG during 1937.

Although not alive in his time, any cricket fan learns with his exploits from the early 1930s and the Invincibles tour. While most remember his last innings zero preventing a three-figure average, others cherish images of him practising relentlessly using a water tank, or seeing him withstand the brutal Bodyline series to still average 56 runs per innings in a torrid series for batsmen. He endures as the ultimate Ashes batter in many eyes.

Mike Brearley

He took the art of leadership, with its critical role, to a new level. He defined an era by demonstrating that success against Australia, particularly down under, required not just effort or power. He inspired through considered, intelligent guidance, fostering a culture where his players' abilities could flourish. His understanding of situations, the match state, and player psyches excelled at the very moments a shift in momentum was required.

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