Top 5 Players With Most Man of the Matches in Ashes History
Steve Smith and Travis Head with Ricky Ponting in nets (Twitter)
The Ashes, established in 1882, stands as the oldest and most highly anticipated Test rivalry in cricket. England and Australia have engaged in intense battles for the prestigious "Ashes urn" over the years. In the inaugural three-Test series, England triumphed 2-1, becoming the first Ashes holders and initiating a decade of dominance over their formidable rivals. This historic tournament, played in the longest format of the game, captivates fans worldwide.
Currently, Australia hold the men's Ashes, leaving England with the task of reclaiming them this summer. Throughout the Ashes' history, Australia has emerged victorious in 34 series, while England has secured 32 wins, with six series ending in draws.
Derek Randall of England became the inaugural recipient of the Player of the Match award in the first Test of the series, where England emerged victorious by seven wickets against the Australians. Randall contributed significantly with scores of 75 off 196 balls in the first innings and an unbeaten 74 off 175 balls in the second innings. Since then, numerous players from both countries have received this prestigious recognition.
Now, let us delve into who holds the record for the most Man of the Match awards in the Ashes history:
1) Steve Smith (7)
Smith during Ashes 2019 in England (Twitter)
Widely regarded as one of the finest Test batters of all time, Smith holds the record for the most Man of the Match awards in Ashes history, with an impressive total of seven. Additionally, he has been honoured with two Player of the Series awards, one in 2017-18 and another in the Ashes of 2019.
The former Australian captain's remarkable ability to excel in any playing conditions, both at home and away, has solidified his reputation as a true match-winner.
Smith's first Man of the Match award was earned in 2015 at Lord's, where he displayed his batting prowess by scoring a magnificent double century to lead his team to victory.
His most recent Man of the Match recognition came in Manchester in 2019.
2) Sir Ian Botham (5)
Sir Ian Botham is regarded as the best all-rounder from England (Twitter)
The legendary English all-rounder became an Ashes icon by winning five Man of the Match awards. His exceptional performances in the 1981 series, known as the Botham effect, turned the tables in England's favor. Botham's heroic innings of 149 not out in the second Test at Headingley and his match-winning display in the next Test at Edgbaston showcased his immense talent and left an enduring impact on the Ashes rivalry.
His ability to excel with bat and ball solidified his status as one of the greatest cricketers of his era, inspiring teammates and captivating fans worldwide. Botham's contributions continue to be celebrated as a testament to his unmatched greatness and his ability to single-handedly shape the outcome of a series.
3) Ricky Ponting (5)
Statically, Punter is the most successful captain (Twitter)
Ricky Ponting, the renowned Australian cricketer and former captain, received the Man of the Match accolade an impressive five times in the Ashes series.
His remarkable displays in the intense rivalry between Australia and England demonstrated his exceptional talent and invaluable contributions to his team's triumphs. Ponting's unwavering ability to excel in high-pressure situations and consistently deliver exceptional performances established him as one of the greatest players in Ashes history.
4) Shane Warne (5)
Warnie had 195 Test wickets against England (Twitter)
The legendary spin wizard, Shane Warne, won the Man of the Match award in the Ashes series on 5 separate occasions. His exceptional performances with the ball and his ability to dominate the English batters made him a formidable force in the historic rivalry between Australia and England. Warne's contributions played a pivotal role in Australia's success in the Ashes, earning him numerous accolades and solidifying his status as one of the greatest cricketers in Ashes history.
5) Mitchell Johnson (4)
Johnson was the most lethal during Ashes 2013-14 (Twitter)
The fearsome Australian fast bowler won the Man of the Match award in the Ashes series on four occasions. His blistering pace and devastating bowling spells wreaked havoc on the English batting line-up, earning him recognition as a match-winner in the historic rivalry between Australia and England.
Johnson's dominant performances with the ball played a crucial role in Australia's success in the Ashes, and he remains a memorable figure in the annals of Ashes history.
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