The Ashes is considered as one of the fiercest cricket battles. As we have India vs Pakistan for the cricket teams in the sub-continent, the battle between Australia and England is on the same lines. One of the oldest rivalries in the history of the sport, England squaring off against Australia always makes for headline news, and when the two sides meet in Tests, the stakes can’t get any higher.
The Ashes is of prime importance for both teams. It is on par with the Cricket World Cup for both teams. After winning the Ashes in 2020, Australia will be looking to retain the trophy. Their batting and bowling; both seem to be in tremendous form.
While England who are revolutionizing Test cricket with “Bazball” will be looking to snatch the trophy from the opposition’s hands. Who will prevail in this historic Test series between two of the oldest Test nations?
Many pundits have predicted the results of the ongoing Ashes series. Australian legend Glenn McGrath has predicted a 5-0 whitewash in the favour of the Australians. And he has predicted Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to do good in the series.
Many legendary cricketers have displayed moments of brilliance in this historic Test series. From Sir Donald Bradman’s historic season in the 1930 season to Sir Alastair Cook’s remarkable 2010-11 season, the Ashes has witnessed several remarkable moments. In this article, we have a look at the Top 5 highest run-getters of all time in Ashes.
Top 5 highest run scorers of all-time in Ashes
#5 Steve Smith (3060 runs in 33 games)
Steve Smith named Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade | Cricket NSW Creator: Michael Dodge Copyright: 2017 Getty Images
Steve Smith has been an amazing player for Australia with the right-hander displaying his craft at the Ashes. The former Australian skipper is one of the very cricketers to feature in the top 10 run-getters of Ashes of all time.
Smith has scored 8,947 runs in 97 Tests at an average of 60.04. Out of the 8947 runs, over 3000 runs have come against England, which is 34.02% runs of his Test career. Also, Smith has scored more than 500 runs in successive Ashes series – 687 in 2017-18 and 774 in 2019.
Smith, who was banned from international cricket, made a return to Test cricket in 2019. The 2020 Ashes saw a very different Smith. He was absolutely sensational with the bat, making runs at an average of 110.57. With Smith smashing a wonderful century in the World Test Championship final, Smith will be looking to build on his amazing form.
#4 Steve Waugh (3173 runs in 45 games)
Creator: Ben Radford | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2003 Getty Images
Steve Waugh was one of the most prolific leaders in Australian cricket. Waugh has the highest win percentage 66, across all formats and is one of cricket’s greatest captains in history. Not only his leadership skills were excellent, but also his batting would envy any top-order batter.
The gritty right-hander is the third player to cross the landmark of 10,000 Test runs. Waugh has accumulated 3,173 runs against England in 45 Tests played from 1986 to 2003. Of the 32 Test centuries he notched, 10 were against England. He was more dominant against England in England, averaging 74.22 in 22 Tests.
His biggest Ashes season came in 1989 when he scored 506 runs at a staggering average of 126.50. His magnificent batting coupled with great bowling from the Aussies helped them win the Ashes 4-0.
#3 Alan Border (3222 runs in 42 games)
When part-time spinner Allan Border did full-time damage to West Indies | On this Day Creator: Adrian Murrell | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2006 Getty Images
Alan Border loved playing against England. The left-hander averaged 56.31 against the Poms in 42 Tests with 3222 runs with the assistance of 21 fifties and eight centuries.
His best came when Australia won three consecutive Ashes in 1989 (4-0), 1990-91 (3-0) and 1993 (4-1). During these series, Border’s leadership skills were as sharp as his batting skills. Did you know Border captained Australia in a record-breaking 28 Ashes Tests and won 13 of them? That makes him the most successful captain of the Ashes.
During the 1985 Ashes, Border played one of the most vital knocks of his career. During the Oval Test of 1985, Border played a valiant knock of 146* to salvage Australia’s chances to draw the Test. Also, his unbeaten knock of 200 at the Headingley Test from the 1993 Ashes series will forever be etched in every cricket fan’s memory.
#2 Jack Hobbs (3636 runs in 41 games)
235 Jack Hobbs Cricket Photos and Premium High Res Pictures – Getty Images Creator: Central Press | Credit: Getty Images
The only player who made it to the Top 5 highest run-getters of all time in Ashes; Jack Hobbs was a pivotal player for England who helped the Poms win many important clashes. He was called ‘The Master’ and scored even after he went past 50 years of age.
Hobbs made 61,760 runs in first-class cricket and 199 centuries. Hobbs made 5410 runs in 61 Tests from 1908 to 1930. Out of the 61 Tests, 41 were a part of the Ashes. In the Ashes, he scored 3636 runs in 71 Test innings against England at 54.26, including 12 centuries.
#1 Sir Donald Bradman (5028 runs in 37 games)
Furious debate rages after Don Bradman letter to former Australian PM Malcolm Fraser emerges: ‘Right-wing nutjob’ | 7NEWS Creator: Fox Photos | Credit: Getty Images
The top spot is obviously occupied by none other than; the maestro himself, Sir Donald Bradman. In the 52 Tests that he has played, Bradman has scored 6996 runs at an unbelievable average of 99.98.
He is the only player to score more than 5,000 Test runs in the Ashes. He has hit 19 of his 29 Test centuries against England and averaged 89.78 against them. Bradman’s record of 974 runs in the 1930 Ashes is the most runs scored in a Test series. The record is yet to be broken even after 93 years.
Bradman has played many unforgettable innings during his career. One such came inning came during the third Test at the Headingley in Leeds where he slammed his career-best of 334 runs.
