The Ashes returns on 21 November and to get you in the mood we thought we'd Test your knowledge with a quiz. Forget the bowlers for a moment; this is a battle of the batsmen.
Since the epic 2005 series that reignited the rivalry, a host of batting titans have stamped their authority on the contest. But can you name the top run-scorers in the Ashes since that legendary summer?
We're not just talking about a couple of names; we're talking about the cricketing royalty who have consistently delivered under the intense pressure of an Ashes battle. Before we reveal the answers, let's set the stage and delve into the careers of these modern greats.
The Unquestionable King: Sir Alastair Cook
Sitting comfortably at the summit, and by a colossal margin, is England's rock, Sir Alastair Cook. His career is a masterclass in endurance and accumulation, and his Ashes record is simply peerless in the modern era. From his debut in the 2006/07 series to his emotional farewell in 2017/18, Cook was a constant thorn in Australia's side.
His statistics are staggering. In the 20 Ashes series he played in since 2005, Cook amassed 2,437 runs at an average of 47.78, including five centuries and a highest score of 235 not out. That innings in Brisbane during the 2010/11 series was a monumental display of concentration and skill, setting the tone for England's first series win in Australia for 24 years.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who knew a thing or two about scoring runs, once said of Cook:
"He's a run-machine. He's someone who, once he gets in, he's very hard to get out. He's got a game that's built for the long innings."
Cook's dominance is best illustrated by his key contributions in series-winning campaigns:
- 2010/11 (Away): 766 runs at 127.66
- 2013 (Home): 277 runs at 46.16
- 2015 (Home): 330 runs at 55.00
The Australian Maestro: Steven Smith
In second place, and the leading Australian on the list, is the unorthodox genius, Steven Smith. While his career started later than Cook's, his rate of accumulation has been nothing short of phenomenal. Smith treats Ashes contests as his personal playground, often elevating his game to seemingly impossible levels.
Since his first Ashes series in 2013, Smith has compiled 2,044 runs at a staggering average of 58.40, including eight centuries. His performances in the 2019 series in England were arguably one of the greatest individual batting displays in Test history, almost single-handedly retaining the urn for Australia.
England's veteran bowler Stuart Broad, who has dismissed Smith more than most, summed up the challenge of bowling to him:
"He's a fantastic player. He has a unique method, but he's found a way to make it incredibly effective all around the world."
Smith's Ashes highlights are a testament to his consistency and hunger for big scores:
- 2017/18 (Home): 687 runs at 137.40
- 2019 (Away): 774 runs at 110.57
- 2023 (Away): 373 runs at 37.30
The Pugnacious Leader: Michael Clarke
Occupying the third spot is Australia's elegant and determined former captain, Michael Clarke. Known for his stylish strokeplay and fierce competitiveness, Clarke was a central figure in the Ashes narrative for a decade, leading Australia through periods of both struggle and triumph.
From 2005 until his retirement in 2015, Clarke scored 1,860 runs at an average of 46.50, including six centuries. His highest score of 187 at Old Trafford in 2013 was a captain's innings that showcased his class and resolve under pressure.
The Middle Order Pillars
The list then features a mix of gritty English resilience and Australian power, highlighting how the battle has often been won and lost in the engine room of the middle order.
Kevin Pietersen (England)
The mercurial and often brilliant Kevin Pietersen takes fourth place with 1,684 runs at 41.07, including four centuries. His audacious 158 at The Oval in 2005 secured the Ashes for England and announced his arrival on the world stage.
Ian Bell (England)
In fifth is the stylish Ian Bell, whose technical perfection made him a joy to watch. 'The Sherminator' scored 1,654 runs at 44.70, often producing crucial knocks when England needed them most.
Ricky Ponting (Australia)
The great Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, is sixth. Though his later series were less prolific, his overall contribution from 2005 onwards was still immense: 1,604 runs at 35.64.
David Warner (Australia)
Seventh is the explosive opener David Warner. A polarizing figure but a match-winner on his day, Warner has amassed 1,503 runs at 30.67, including four centuries.
Michael Hussey (Australia)
Eighth is 'Mr. Cricket' himself, Michael Hussey. The dependable left-hander was a model of consistency, scoring 1,464 runs at a superb average of 48.80.
Joe Root (England)
Ninth is England's modern-day stalwart, Joe Root. While his overall record is stellar, his Ashes performances have been a mixed bag, yet he still has 1,457 runs at 38.34 to his name.
Andrew Strauss (England)
Rounding out the top ten is another former England captain, Andrew Strauss. A rock at the top of the order, he scored 1,438 runs at 39.94.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Eras
So, there you have it. The top ten Ashes run-scorers since 2005. The list tells a story of two distinct eras: the age of English dominance built on the foundations of Cook, Strauss, and Pietersen, and the era of Australian resurgence led by the phenomenal run-scoring of Steven Smith.
The gap between Cook and the rest underscores his incredible longevity and consistency in the fiercest of cricketing cauldrons. Yet, Smith's average, significantly higher than anyone else's, points to a period of sheer, unadulterated dominance that may never be matched.
As we look ahead to the next chapter starting on November 21st, new names will be looking to etch themselves into this hallowed list. Will a Zak Crawley or a Marnus Labuschagne make a charge? Only time will tell, but the legacy of these ten batsmen is already secure in Ashes folklore.