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The historic rivalry of England and Australia teams is defined through unforgettable figures. Here, supporters recount their favourite stars from men's Ashes series history.

The Pugnacious Bairstow

When asked about a favourite cricketer, the choice is the combative Jonny Bairstow. His journey during the Ashes perfectly captures the highs and lows of an England career. It began with 2013, where he tempered his attacking game to dig in alongside Ian Bell. That winter, he was promoted to replace gloveman the injured Matt Prior, facing the formidable Mitchell Johnson despite no red-ball preparation in months.

He had an Ashes-winning return in the 2015 series and is the only English player to have scored two away Ashes centuries after 2011, an achievement accomplished despite intense media scrutiny. A difficult series came during the 2019 Ashes, although there was a vital cameo in the Leeds Test that aided the famous run chase by Stokes and Leach. After returning for the 2023 series, a magnificent unbeaten 99 at Old Trafford was cruelly denied a series-turning result due to inclement rain.

Syd Barnes

Few bowlers command such awe as the phenomenal Syd Barnes. His performance taking 13 for 163 across 80 overs during the 1901-02 Ashes Test stands as a monument to his skill. One can only wonder how much more he might have achieved had he been an easier man to handle. With a staggering 6,229 wickets at a cost of 8.33, he is regarded by many as the finest bowler ever. Reading about his records in childhood proved utterly enthralling. He was a glorious bastard, truly without equal. As MCC secretary Billy Griffith: “The extraordinary thing about him is that all his contemporaries thought him the best there was. Never was there a single doubt about it.”

The Charismatic Richie Benaud

For many, the ultimate Ashes cricketer remains the iconic Richie Benaud. Starting secondary school during 1961 coincided with that year's Ashes, where the excitement was conjured by the dashing skipper. He didn't look like other cricketers; he possessed style and audacity, offering contrast from the more traditional approach. He was articulate, charismatic leader who came known for positive, exciting cricket.

Vivid recollections of that summer, where a permanent passion with cricket began, centre on the last day of the fourth Test. Watching intently the broadcast, a young fan watched the home side require 256 to win. A good start had Ted Dexter play a widely acclaimed one of the great Ashes innings. Yet he fell for 76, taken by wicketkeeper Wally Grout bowled by Benaud. Optimism persisted as skipper Peter May arriving to bat. Benaud bowled and May steer it to leg. The next ball, Benaud bowled again outside leg, it turned sharply out of the footmarks and hit the stumps. The captain was out for zero, the hush palpable. Benaud won the match with figures 6 for 70 and the visitors kept the Ashes. A moment of bittersweet emotion—desperate for an English victory but marvelling at an undeniable champion.

The Indefatigable Ian Botham

He is the greatest England cricketer. Relentless, heroic, brilliant. For Headingley 1981, Old Trafford 1981, the victorious tour of Australia, and his iconic retort directed at Merv Hughes. A hero both for his philanthropy but also his tremendous strength of character.

Harry Boyle

The annals sometimes forget figures like Harry Boyle, who should certainly be among any list of most important cricketers of Ashes history. Boyle was Fred Spofforth's bowling partner in the famous 1882 match, his role was as vital as Spofforth's to secure victory. In fact, he was the one who bowled tailender Edmund Peate to clinch the match. While Spofforth is celebrated as the pioneer of pace bowling, Boyle proved humble and retiring, consistently prioritising the collective. This humility resulted in his legacy being overshadowed, despite he was widely recognised as a pivotal figure in the sport's development.

Don Bradman

The choice must be Sir Don Bradman. Whilst leg-spinner Shane Warne stands as a giant, the sheer weight of scoring Bradman accumulated versus the old foe, coupled with his tactical acumen, establishes him not just as a cricket legend but as the only possible answer. A batting average just shy of 90, two scores over 300, including a brilliant double-hundred following a bold move to reverse the lineup and shield his main batters from a treacherous wicket in Melbourne in 1937.

Though not from his era, any cricket fan becomes familiar with his exploits in the 1930s and the Invincibles tour. While most remember his last innings zero that denied him a 100+ average, others cherish footage of his practice relentlessly against a water tank, or witnessing him withstand the vicious Bodyline tactics and still emerge with a 56 average in a torrid Ashes for batters. He remains the greatest Ashes batter for countless fans.

Mike Brearley

He elevated the art of leadership, so vital in cricket, to a new level. He defined his era by demonstrating that winning against Australia, especially down under, required more than effort and power. He inspired through considered, astute guidance, fostering a culture where his team's abilities thrived. His reading of situations, conditions, and player psyches excelled at the very moments a change of momentum was required.

His was a nuanced, subtle method {that challenged|contradict