As the highly anticipated Ashes series approaches, cricket fans across Australia and England are reminiscing about the unforgettable moments that have defined this historic rivalry. The West Australian has compiled 25 of the most memorable incidents that have shaped the legacy of cricket's greatest contest.
The Modern Era Classics
Scott Boland's dream debut on Boxing Day 2021 will forever be etched in Ashes folklore. The Victorian paceman produced one of the most remarkable bowling performances in Test history, claiming incredible figures of 6-7 from just four overs to humiliate England at the MCG.
English fans still have nightmares about Mitchell Johnson's terrifying pace during the 2013/14 series. The West Australian quick silenced the Barmy Army with 37 wickets, his sheer velocity forcing multiple English players into retirement during and after the series.
One of Australia's darkest days came at Trent Bridge in 2015 when Stuart Broad produced a spell of 8-15, demolishing the Australian batting lineup in just 18.3 overs to set up an innings victory for England.
Individual Brilliance and Heartbreak
The legendary Shane Warne features multiple times in our countdown, with his Ball of the Century to Mike Gatting in 1993 topping the list. Warne's first delivery in Ashes cricket pitched well outside leg stump and ripped across to clip the top of off-stump, announcing his arrival in the most dramatic fashion.
West Australian young gun Ashton Agar nearly scored a debut century from number eleven in the 2013 Nottingham Test. Coming to the crease with Australia in dire trouble at 9-117, Agar batted brilliantly alongside Phillip Hughes, falling just two runs short of what would have been a remarkable hundred.
Sir Don Bradman's final innings remains one of cricket's most poignant moments. Needing just four runs to finish with a perfect Test average of 100, The Don was bowled for a duck by English leg-spinner Eric Hollies at The Oval in 1948.
Controversy and Sportsmanship
The 2023 Ashes exploded with controversy during the Jonny Bairstow stumping incident at Lord's. Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw down the stumps after Bairstow wandered out of his crease, sparking furious debates about the spirit of cricket and wild scenes in the Long Room.
One of the most iconic images of sportsmanship came in 2005 when Andrew Flintoff consoled Brett Lee after England's dramatic two-run victory. With Australia just three runs from an unlikely win, Flintoff knelt beside the distraught Australian fast bowler in a moment that transcended the fierce rivalry.
The 2005 series also featured the controversial run-out of Ricky Ponting by substitute fielder Garry Pratt, which became a turning point in England's eventual series victory.
Record-Breaking Performances
Sir Don Bradman's incredible 334 not out at Headingley in 1930 saw him become the only player to score 300 runs in a single day of Test cricket. His record stood for eight years until Len Hutton surpassed it with 364 at The Oval.
West Australian Bob Massie announced himself on the international stage with a stunning debut at Lord's in 1972. Under cloudy skies, Massie claimed 8-84 in the first innings and 8-53 in the second, becoming the first and only Australian to take 16 wickets in a Test match.
Steve Waugh wrote his name into Ashes history during the 2003 Sydney Test. Battling a torn calf muscle, Waugh needed one run off the final ball to equal Don Bradman's record of 29 Test centuries. He duly smashed a cover drive to the boundary, completing an unforgettable century.
These moments represent just a fraction of the drama, skill, and passion that has made the Ashes the most celebrated rivalry in cricket. As another series approaches, fans can only wonder what new memories will be created in the chapters yet to be written.
