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The historic rivalry between England & Australian teams has been defined through legendary personalities. Within, supporters celebrate personal most cherished stars from men's Ashes timeline.

Jonny Bairstow

On the topic of a favourite cricketer, the pick is the combative Jonny Bairstow. His journey in Ashes contests aptly encapsulates the triumphs and tribulations of an England career. It started with the 2013 series, when he sacrificed his natural game to graft with the experienced Ian Bell. That winter, he stepped up as a replacement for wicketkeeper the injured Matt Prior, facing the fearsome pace of Mitchell Johnson having no red-ball preparation in three months.

He had a series-winning return in the 2015 series and is the sole England player to have scored two Ashes hundreds on Australian soil since the year 2011, an achievement accomplished despite intense local press attention. A difficult campaign came in 2019, although it featured a crucial cameo in Headingley assisting the legendary run chase by Stokes and Leach. Post-injury for 2023, a stunning 99 not out at Old Trafford would have been robbed of a match-winning status due to persistent rain.

Syd Barnes

No bowler command such awe as the wonderful Syd Barnes. His figures of 13 for 163 in 80 gruelling overs in the 1901-02 Ashes Test remains as testament to his skill. One can only wonder what more he might have achieved had he been an easier character to handle. With an incredible haul of 6,229 wickets with an average of 8.33, he is regarded by many as the greatest bowler. Reading about his statistics as a youth proved completely enthralling. He was magnificent rogue, simply incomparable. In the words of cricket administrator Billy Griffith: “The extraordinary thing regarding him is that all his contemporaries considered him the best there was. There was never any doubt about it.”

The Charismatic Richie Benaud

To countless fans, the favourite player is the legendary Richie Benaud. Starting secondary school during 1961 coincided with that year's Ashes, and the excitement was provided by the dashing skipper. He didn't look from the rest; he possessed style and daring, offering contrast to the seemingly traditional approach. He was articulate, commanding captain who arrived known for attacking, exciting cricket.

Memories of that summer, when a permanent passion with cricket began, centre on the final day at the fourth Test. Glued to the broadcast, the viewer watched the home side chase 256 runs. A promising beginning saw Ted Dexter construct a widely acclaimed a magnificent Ashes innings. However his dismissal for 76, taken by Wally Grout bowled by Benaud. Hope remained with captain Peter May arriving to bat. A delivery from Benaud saw May deflect it to the on side. The next ball, he pitched outside the pads, it turned viciously out of the footmarks to bowl him. May was dismissed for zero, the hush palpable. Benaud won the match taking six for 70 , thus the visitors retained the urn. A moment of mixed feelings—desperate for an England win but in awe of a true hero.

The Indefatigable Ian Botham

Simply put, he is England's finest England cricketer. Relentless, heroic, exceptional. Remember his heroics at Headingley in '81, the exploits at Old Trafford that same year, the victorious tour of Australia, not forgetting his iconic retort about the bowler Merv Hughes. An icon not just for his charity work but also his immense fortitude.

The Underrated Harry Boyle

History often overlooks players such as Harry Boyle, who should certainly be in the top 100 most important figures in the rivalry. Boyle was Fred Spofforth's new-ball partner during the famous 1882 match, and his contribution proved just as crucial as Spofforth's in securing the win. Indeed, he was the one who bowled Edmund Peate to win that historic game. Although Spofforth is celebrated as the pioneer of pace bowling, his teammate proved humble and retiring, always putting the team first. This humility resulted in his memory being somewhat forgotten, even though at his passing widely recognised as a pivotal figure in the sport's development.

The Incomparable Don Bradman

The choice must be Sir Don Bradman. While leg-spinner Shane Warne stands as a giant, the monumental volume of scoring Bradman amassed against England, combined with his shrewd captaincy, cements him as more than a great player but as the definitive answer. A batting average just shy of ninety, two scores over 300, including a brilliant double-hundred following an ingenious move to reverse the lineup and shield his senior players from a damp wicket at the MCG in 1937.

Although not alive in his time, any cricket fan becomes familiar about his deeds from the early 1930s and the Invincibles tour. Whilst most remember his last innings zero preventing a three-figure average, others cherish images of his practice relentlessly against a water tank, and seeing him endure the brutal Bodyline series and still emerge 56 runs per innings in a notoriously difficult series for batsmen. He remains the greatest batsman in many eyes.

Mike Brearley

He took the craft of leadership, so vital in cricket, to unprecedented heights. He epitomised an era showing that winning against Australia, especially in Australia, required not just effort or power. He inspired with considered, intelligent guidance, creating an environment in which his team's abilities thrived. His reading of the game, conditions, and individuals excelled precisely when a change of momentum was needed.

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