5 Most Iconic Matches In The Ashes History

The Ashes is one of the most fierce sporting rivalries in the world (cricket.com.au)The Ashes is one of the most fierce sporting rivalries in the world (cricket.com.au)

The Ashes, cricket's most storied rivalry, has produced some of the most thrilling and unforgettable moments in the sport’s history.

From miraculous comebacks to nail-biting finishes, these matches have become legendary.

In this article, we take a look at the top 5 most iconic Ashes Tests of all time, where the battle for the coveted urn reached its peak.

5. The Oval, 1882

Australia: 63 & 122, England: 101 & 77

The mock obituary that led to the birth of The Ashes (X)The mock obituary that led to the birth of The Ashes (X)

In this historic match, Australia’s batting crumbled under the pressure of England’s bowling, managing just 63 runs. England didn’t fare much better, struggling to a total of 101.

 Australia improved slightly in their second innings, scoring 122, but England’s bowlers kept the target to a seemingly achievable 85. Needing just 85 runs to win, England was expected to cruise to victory. However, Fred Spofforth, the "Demon Bowler," had other plans.

He tore through the English lineup with figures of 7/44, as England collapsed to 77 all out, handing Australia a thrilling 7-run victory. The shock defeat led to the famous mock obituary in The Sporting Times, marking the birth of the Ashes rivalry.

4. Headingley, 1948

England: 496 & 365, Australia: 458 & 404

Sir Don Bradman scored his last hundred in The Ashes' highest successful run-chase (X)Sir Don Bradman scored his last hundred in The Ashes' highest successful run-chase (X)

England batted first and posted an imposing 496, led by openers Len Hutton (81) and Cyril Washbrook (143). In reply, Australia managed to score 458 courtesy of Neil Harvey’s 112 as England gained a 38-run lead.

England declared at 365/8 in their second innings, setting Australia a seemingly impossible target of 404. Australia’s chase was nothing short of miraculous. Arthur Morris led the way with 182, while captain Don Bradman anchored the innings with a sublime 173*.

The pair’s 301-run partnership took the game away from England, as Australia achieved the highest successful chase in Ashes history, reaching 404/3, and sealing a historic victory.

3. Headingley, 2019

Australia: 179 & 246, England: 67 & 362/9

England won a thriller at Headingley in 2019 (X)England won a thriller at Headingley in 2019 (X)

Batting first, Australia was bowled out for 179, with Marnus Labuschagne top-scoring with 74. Jofra Archer’s fiery pace proved too hot to handle, as he claimed 6/45. England’s response was disastrous, crumbling to just 67, with Josh Hazlewood taking 5/30. It was one of England’s lowest-ever totals in an Ashes Test, leaving Australia in a commanding position.

Australia capitalized on their lead, scoring 246 in their second innings, with Labuschagne again contributing significantly with 80. Ben Stokes’ 3/56 restricted Australia, but they still set England a daunting target of 359. England’s chase seemed doomed at 286/9, but Ben Stokes produced an innings for the ages.

Batting with remarkable composure, Stokes launched a counterattack, scoring an unbeaten 135*. His partnership with Jack Leach, who scored just 1 run, defied all odds as England chased down the target, winning by 1 wicket, making this one of the greatest comebacks in cricket history.

2. Edgbaston, 2005

England: 407 & 182, Australia: 308 & 279

England celebrates after clinching a thriller at Edgbaston in the 2005 Ashes (X)England celebrates after clinching a thriller at Edgbaston in the 2005 Ashes (X)

England batted first in this iconic Test, putting up 407 runs. Kevin Pietersen (71) and Andrew Flintoff (68) played key innings, while Shane Warne’s 4/116 kept Australia in the game. Australia’s response was steady as the were bowled out for 308, giving England a 99-run lead).

England’s second innings faltered, as they managed only 182, with Warne again starring with 6/46, setting Australia a target of 282, which seemed gettable but challenging. Australia’s chase was dramatic. 

At 175/8, they looked out of contention, but Shane Warne (42) and a last-wicket stand between Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz (59) brought them within 3 runs of an unbelievable victory. However, Steve Harmison’s short delivery to Kasprowicz was edged behind, giving England a nerve-jangling 2-run victory.

1. Headingley, 1981

Australia: 401 & 111, England: 174 & 356

England's win at Headingley in 1981 remains the greatest Ashes Test ever (X)England's win at Headingley in 1981 remains the greatest Ashes Test ever (X)

Australia dominated the first innings, posting a commanding 401, thanks to centuries from John Dyson (102) and Kim Hughes (89). England’s reply was lacklustre, as they were bundled out for 174.

Forced to follow on, England seemed down and out. What followed was one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in cricket history. Ian Botham, batting with abandon, scored a breathtaking 149* to drag England from the brink of defeat. His counterattack, filled with aggressive strokes, gave England a fighting chance, setting Australia 130 to win.

Chasing what seemed a modest target, Australia collapsed spectacularly. Bob Willis bowled with ferocious pace and venom, taking 8/43 to skittle Australia out for 111, giving England a miraculous 18-run victory. The match, known as "Botham’s Ashes," remains the greatest Ashes Test of all time.