5 best Ashes performers for Australia
The Ashes is one of the most decorated trophies in world cricket. It is also regarded as the most historic and important Test series in the cricketing calendar.
In 1877, England and Australia played first ever Test in the history of the game. But, it was only in 1882 that the series was named the Ashes. And it has been even as far as series results are concerned, with Australia and England both winning 32 each.
With England and Australia set to resume the rivalry this November (70th Ashes), let’s have a glance at the top 5 Australian stars who have been standout performers in the Ashes.
Honourable Mentions – Dennis Lilee, Mark Taylor, Bill Lawry, Hugh Trumble
#5 Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh is perhaps one of the most successful Ashes skippers of all time. He has a staggering win percentage of 88.88% (8 wins in 9 Tests). In his career, Steve Waugh was never on the losing side of an Ashes series.
He loved batting against England. His first two centuries came in the Ashes (177 and 126). Again, in the 1997 Ashes, the elder Waugh brother notched up a pair of centuries to inflict a heavy defeat on England in the third Test.
The momentum of the series changed dramatically as Australia won the 4th and the 5th Test to clinch the urn after being 1-0 down.
He is also the fourth highest run-getter in the history of the Ashes. With 3173 runs in 45 Tests, Waugh had a brilliant average of 58.75 against England showing how much he liked playing the Ashes. Also, 10 out of his 32 Test centuries have come against England.