Ponting to lead, no place for Root, Stokes: Combined Australia-England Ashes XI

Ashes combined XI [Source: AFP Photo]

The wait is almost over as the much-awaited The Ashes 2025-26 is just around the corner, as Australia and England will lock horns in a battle for supremacy in a gruelling five-match series. On paper, Australia hold the advantage since England have not won a single Test series in Australia since 2010.

However, the Aussies are an ageing side and most of the players are not in form, as England might look to take advantage of the situation. Their rivalry goes way back to the early 1900s, and ahead of the marquee clash, we take a look at the Australia-England combined XI comprising players only from the 21st century.

Matthew Hayden, Alastair Cook, Ricky Ponting (Top 3)

The top three for the combined Ashes XI were the easiest to pick as Matthew Hayden, Alastair Cook, and Ricky Ponting made the cut. The trio had an exceptional record and the stats tell the story.

(Top 3 in The Ashes)

• The top 3 of the team have a stellar record in The Ashes and the numbers are in front. Hayden has the best average amongst the three, while Cook, the former England skipper has the most runs, just pipping Ponting.
• The likes of Andrew Strauss, and David Warner were also in contention, but the impact made by Hayden and Cook at the top made them the clear favourites.

Steve Smith, Kevin Pietersen, Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist - middle order

• Perhaps the best Ashes batter of all time, alongside Sir Don Bradman, Steve Smith was an easy choice. He has performed in Australia and in England, and could score more runs in the upcoming series. He has 3417 runs vs England, and this sums up his love for the English side.
• The flamboyant Kevin Pietersen is also an easy choice. He was instrumental in England’s Ashes win in 2005, and over the years, Australia became his favourite opponent. He has 2158 runs in 27 matches against them, and thus, he cements his place in the playing XI.
• Adam Gilchrist had no competition in terms of wicket-keeper in the side, and one of the greatest of all-time makes the list as the keeper at number 7.
• The toughest pick was between Ben Stokes and Andre Flintoff, as both the English all-rounders have done well against the Aussies.
• There was an argument to include Joe Root in the lineup, but he only has 4 tons against them, and has accumulated 2428 runs, at an average of just 40.46.

• There is not much to separate the two all-rounders in terms of stats, but Flintoff has an edge when it comes to bowling, and who could forget his dream Ashes 2005?. While Stokes has had his moments in The Ashes, Flintoff was a key figure in their Ashes campaign in 2005, and hence, he makes the cut.

Shane Warne, McGrath, Stuart Broad and Mitchell Johnson - Bowlers

While the selection of Warne and McGrath shouldn’t be questioned by anyone, the exclusion of James Anderson might raise eyebrows, but here is the reason why Stuart Broad was selected over him.

(Anderson, Broad vs AUS)

• The iconic duo has played identical matches vs Australia, but the stats tell a different story. While Broad has scalped 153 wickets, Anderson only has 117, and Broad also beats Anderson in terms of bowling strike rate and average, and hence, he makes the cut in the bowling list.
• Mitchell Johsnon who terrorised England with 37 wickets in the 2013 Ashes makes the list as the final pacer.

Australia-England combined Ashes XI

Matthew Hayden, Alastair Cook, Ricky Ponting (c), Steve Smith, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Stuart Broad, Mitch Johnson

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