Breaking Down the Ashes Team of the Series

Highlights from the Ashes

The Ashes, a storied rivalry that stretches back to 1882, has seen countless legends grace the pitch. This year, as the dust settles from yet another gripping series, it's time to reflect on who excelled and earned a spot in the prestigious Team of the Series, as selected by the astute viewers of BBC Sport.

Creating the Team of the Series

In the lead-up to the fifth Test in Sydney, fans were invited to voice their opinions on who they believed should make it into the Team of the Series. The criteria? A well-rounded eleven comprising two openers, four middle-order batsmen or all-rounders, a wicketkeeper, and four bowlers. The response was overwhelming, and the final selections reflect a blend of raw talent and game-changing performances.

BBC Sport readers have picked their team of the series for the Ashes.

The Stars of the Show

• Travis Head - Australia (91%)
  • Innings: 10, runs: 629, average: 62.90, centuries: three
  • Stepping up magnificently after being slotted into the opener's role, Head notched impressive scores including a blazing 170 in Adelaide. His consistency was key to Australia's success.
• Zak Crawley - England (81%)
  • Innings: 10, runs: 273, average: 27.30, centuries: none
  • While Crawley faced challenges, his mid-series recovery was pivotal, earning him a spot thanks to solid showings in Brisbane and Adelaide.
• Steve Smith - Australia (85%)
  • Innings: 8, runs: 286, average: 57.20, centuries: one
  • Smith may have started slowly, but his game-changing knock of 138 in Sydney was unforgettable, proving yet again why he is a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket.
• Joe Root - England (94%)
  • Innings: 10, runs: 400, average: 44.44, centuries: two
  • England's backbone throughout the series, Root's ability to convert starts into substantial innings solidified his essential role.
• Harry Brook - England (68%)
  • Innings: 10, runs: 438, average: 39.77, centuries: none
  • A promising talent who showed potential, Brook's performances hinted at what is to come, despite falling just short of the three-figure mark.
• Ben Stokes - England (70%)
  • Innings: 10, runs: 184, average: 18.40, wickets: 15, average: 25.13
  • Though not his best with the bat, Stokes' bowling made a significant impact, especially his effective spells that curtailed Australian scoring.

The Bowling Ace

• Mitchell Starc - Australia (98%)
  • Matches: 5, wickets: 31, average: 19.93, strike-rate: 29.6; runs: 156
  • An impressive left-armer, Starc's early contributions set the tone for Australia. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments made him indispensable.
• Jofra Archer - England (67%)
  • Matches: 3, wickets: 9, average: 27.11, strike-rate: 53.33, runs: 102
  • While his overall stats might not jump out, Archer's express pace and key performances were crucial during his limited appearances.
• Scott Boland - Australia (65%)
  • Matches: 5, wickets: 20, average: 24.95, strike-rate: 47.9
  • Boland's consistent accuracy plagued England, exemplifying how vital he was to Australia's bowling attack throughout the series.
• Josh Tongue - England (43%)
  • Matches: 3, wickets: 18, average: 20.11, strike-rate: 32.4
  • A late entry into the series, Tongue made an immediate impact and showcased his capability to secure crucial wickets when called upon.

Final Thoughts

The selections for the Ashes Team of the Series reflect not only individual brilliance but also the spirit of this historic contest. Each player mentioned has left a unique imprint on the series, contributing to a narrative filled with excitement and drama. As we move forward, I'm keen to see how these players carry their momentum into future competitions, all while reminding us of the rich heritage of cricket.

Related Topics

• England Men's Cricket Team
• Australia
• The Ashes
• Cricket