The roar of the Barmy Army, the crunch of leather on willow, and the sight of a pristine white kit against a lush green oval – The Ashes is back. As we count down to the first ball at the Gabba on 21 November, the anticipation is palpable.
While names like Pat Cummins, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, and Joe Root are instantly recognizable to any cricket fan, the modern era has introduced a new wave of talent. This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of the players who have defined the Ashes battles of the 2020s. Do you know these key figures?
The Unflappable Anchor: Marnus Labuschagne
When Steve Smith was infamously concussed by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord's in 2019, a little-known batter named Marnus Labuschagne stepped in as cricket's first-ever concussion substitute. What followed was a meteoric rise to the pinnacle of the game.
Labuschagne's idiosyncratic mannerisms at the crease – the frantic shadow batting, the muttered self-critiques – belie a mind of immense concentration and an insatiable appetite for runs. He quickly cemented his place at number three, becoming the bedrock of the Australian batting order.
His Ashes record in the 2020s is formidable. In the 2021-22 series in Australia, he was a dominant force, amassing 335 runs across five innings before the final Test, showcasing a technique that English bowlers found incredibly difficult to breach. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has often praised his work ethic, stating, "His hunger for big scores is what separates him from many of his contemporaries."
The Pace Prodigy: Josh Hazlewood's Heir Apparent?
While Australia's famed pace trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc has been a constant threat, managing their workloads has become crucial. This has opened the door for another quick who has made a significant impact in his limited Ashes appearances.
Scott Boland produced one of the most remarkable debut spells in Test history during the 2021-22 series. At his home ground, the MCG, he took an astonishing 6 for 7 in the second innings, decimating the English batting line-up and effectively sealing the series for Australia.
His ability to relentlessly hit a demanding line and length, generating significant seam movement, made him almost unplayable. English commentator and former bowler, Isa Guha, summed up the demolition by saying, "That was one of the most devastating spells of fast-medium bowling I have ever witnessed."
Boland's key attributes that have troubled England include:
- Unerring accuracy and consistency of length
- The ability to extract subtle seam movement off the pitch
- Economical bowling that builds immense pressure from his end
England's Revolutionary: The 'Nighthawk'
Under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England's Test team has undergone a radical transformation, embracing a fearless, aggressive brand of cricket dubbed 'Bazball'. This philosophy has created unique roles within the team.
One of the most intriguing tactical innovations has been the use of a 'Nighthawk' – a promoted lower-order hitter sent in to swing the bat before the close of play, rather than a traditional nightwatchman. The player most associated with this role is Stuart Broad.
While Broad's primary role remained as a senior strike bowler, his late-order cameos with the bat became a symbol of England's new-found intent. His promotion up the order was a psychological gambit, designed to disrupt the rhythm of the Australian bowlers and seize the momentum.
The Rising Phoenix: England's Wicket-Keeper Batter
The wicket-keeper's role is pivotal in an Ashes series, both for the runs they contribute and the chances they create behind the stumps. For England, this position saw a dramatic and emotionally charged shift during the 2023 series.
Jonny Bairstow was England's established keeper, but a freak leg injury in 2022 saw him replaced by the talented Ben Foakes, a player renowned for his impeccable glovework. This set up a major selection dilemma for the 2023 Ashes.
Bairstow was eventually recalled as the specialist batter, but it was his heroic century in a losing cause at Manchester that truly announced his return. His powerful stroke-play and resilience embodied the 'Bazball' spirit. Reflecting on his comeback, Bairstow remarked, "There were some dark days during the rehab, but scoring a hundred in an Ashes Test makes all the hard work worth it."
The All-Round Engine Room: Cameron Green
A genuine all-rounder is a prized asset in any cricket team, and Australia believes they have found a long-term one in the towering Cameron Green. Standing at over two metres tall, Green offers a potent combination of high-paced bowling and powerful, clean hitting.
His impact on the 2021-22 series was significant, both with crucial wickets and vital lower-order runs that often shifted the momentum Australia's way. His presence provides the Australian captain with a flexible fifth bowling option, a luxury that can be decisive in a tight five-Test series.
Key contributions from Green in recent Ashes contests include:
- A match-turning 74 in the first Test at the Gabba in 2021
- Important breakthroughs with the ball, often breaking stubborn partnerships
The Spin Twin: Jack Leach's Moment of Glory
In an era dominated by pace, the role of the spinner in an Ashes series in England is still crucial. For England, the left-arm orthodox spinner Jack Leach will always be remembered for his part in one of Test cricket's greatest moments.
While his overall Ashes record is modest, his unbeaten 1* as nightwatchman in the famous Stokes-led chase at Headingley in 2019 is the stuff of legend. In the 2023 series, his role was cut short by injury, but his importance to the balance of the side was immediately apparent.
His ability to bowl long, containing spells and provide a wicket-taking threat on turning tracks makes him a key component of England's attack when fit. Stokes has often spoken of his trust in Leach, calling him "a vital cog in our bowling unit, someone who understands his role perfectly."
Conclusion: A New Generation of Rivalry
The Ashes rivalry is eternal, but its heroes are constantly evolving. The 2020s have already introduced us to a new cast of characters who have left an indelible mark on this storied contest.
From the unorthodox genius of Labuschagne to the revolutionary tactics of England's 'Nighthawk', and the emergence of all-round talents like Green, the battle for the urn continues to captivate. As we look ahead to the next chapter, one thing is certain: new heroes will emerge, and new names will be etched into Ashes folklore.
So, how did you fare? Whether you aced it or learned a thing or two, one sentiment unites us all: "Bring on the first Test!"