LONDON — The Ashes returns on 21 November, and to get you in the mood, we thought we'd Test your knowledge with a quiz. Can you name every single batsman to score a century in the Ashes since that legendary 2005 series?
The summer of 2005 marked a seismic shift in English cricket. After nearly two decades of Australian dominance, Michael Vaughan's side clinched a nail-biting 2-1 victory in what is widely considered the greatest Test series ever played. The baton of Ashes heroics has since been passed through multiple generations, from the old guard like Ricky Ponting and Kevin Pietersen to modern masters like Steve Smith and Joe Root.
This quiz isn't for the faint-hearted. We're asking you to recall all 89 centurions (at the time of writing) from the last 18 years of this storied rivalry. From the monumental to the match-saving, each hundred has its own story. As the great Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist once said of the pressure of an Ashes contest, "It's a different level of intensity, and it brings out the best and worst in you."
The Modern Era's Defining Innings
Since the 2005 series, the Ashes has been a battleground for some of the most iconic innings of the 21st century. Think of Ben Stokes's unforgettable 135 not out at Headingley in 2019, a knock that defied belief and snatched victory from the jaws of certain defeat. Or Alastair Cook's monumental 235 not out at Brisbane in 2010-11, an innings of sheer stubbornness that set the tone for England's first series win Down Under in 24 years.
From the Australian side, few have dominated like Steve Smith. His twin centuries in the 2019 series at Edgbaston, on his return to Test cricket after a year-long ban, were a masterclass in concentration and eccentric technique. Reflecting on his love for the contest, Smith noted, "There's nothing quite like the feeling of scoring a hundred in an Ashes Test."
A Roll Call of Run-Scorers
The list of centurions is a who's who of modern batting. The leading run-scorer in Ashes history, Sir Alastair Cook, leads the way for England with several crucial hundreds, while Australia's charge has been led by the likes of Steve Smith, Michael Clarke, and the ever-reliable David Warner. Some players made a habit of saving their best for the oldest rivalry.
To jog your memory, here are a few notable names from different eras within the timeframe. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a nudge in the right direction:
- The 2005 Stars: Andrew Strauss, Marcus Trescothick, Ian Bell
- The Australian Pillars: Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden
- The Middle-Order Rocks: Michael Hussey, Paul Collingwood
- The Wicketkeeper-Batters: Brad Haddin, Jonny Bairstow
- The Modern Greats: Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Marnus Labuschagne
Don't forget the one-hit wonders and the players whose Ashes legacy is defined by a single, brilliant performance. Names like Simon Katich, Michael Vaughan's second-innings century at Old Trafford in 2005, or Mitchell Johnson's blistering hundred at the Adelaide Oval in 2013—a reminder of his all-round threat during that fearsome series.
The Challenge of the Quiz
So, how many can you get? The quiz will present you with a blank canvas and a timer. You simply type the names of every centurion you can recall. It accounts for variations in spelling, so don't worry too much about getting every 'McGrath' or 'MacGill' perfectly precise. The challenge is in the recall, in digging deep into your cricket memory bank.
It's a stern examination of any fan's knowledge. You'll need to remember not just the superstars, but the supporting cast who played pivotal roles. Think of Ashton Agar, the number eleven who stunned Trent Bridge with 98 on debut in 2013, falling just short of a century, or Chris Rogers, the gritty opener who piled on runs during the 2013-15 cycle.
Tips for Topping the Leaderboard
Struggling after the first twenty or so names? A good strategy is to think chronologically, series by series. Start with 2005, then move to the 2006-07 whitewash, then the 2009, 2010-11, and so on. Another tactic is to think by batting position. Can you name an opener from each series? A number three? A wicketkeeper? Breaking it down this way can help unearth those forgotten heroes.
Remember the venues, too. Some grounds have a rich history of big scores. The Adelaide Oval is a batsman's paradise, while the MCG on Boxing Day has witnessed some monumental knocks. As England's former captain Joe Root once said after a big hundred, "There's no better feeling than raising your bat in front of an Ashes crowd."
The Stakes Are High This Summer
This winter's series in Australia carries extra weight. England, under the aggressive leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, will look to reclaim the Urn after a hard-fought 2-2 draw in 2023. Their 'Bazball' philosophy will face its ultimate examination on Australian soil. Will a new hero emerge? Will we be adding new names to the list of centurions by the end of the summer?
Pat Cummins's Australian side, the current World Test Champions, will be a formidable opponent at home. The stage is set for another chapter of epic confrontations, and it all begins on November 21st at the Gabba. So, warm up your cricketing brain, test your knowledge, and see if you can join the elite group of fans who can name them all.
Good luck! The average score is surprisingly low, but a perfect score is the ultimate bragging right for any true Ashes aficionado. How will you measure up?