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England’s cricket legend Sir Alastair Cook has disclosed his All-Time Ashes XI.
The playing eleven typically comprises best players from England and Australia who have excelled in the Ashes series over the years. The team combines robust batting, potent bowling and inspirational leadership, reflecting Cook’s deep understanding of the game.
The opening pair of Matthew Hayden and Andrew Strauss sets a strong foundation for the team with their robust batting techniques and aggressive approaches. Hayden was known for intimidating even the fiercest bowling attacks, setting the tone for many memorable Australian victories in the Ashes series. Strauss, on the other hand, was a shrewd tactician and an inspirational leader as England’s captain. Under his captaincy, England secured two Ashes victories, and his calm demeanor under pressure added a sense of stability to the team.
Ricky Ponting at number three adds his modern-day greatness and aggressive captaincy style, which contributed to Australia’s dominance during his era. Joe Root at number four brings his proficiency against all types of bowling and his ability to convert starts into big scores. Following him at number five is the unorthodox and consistent Steve Smith, whose presence in the middle order would solidify the team’s batting lineup.
At number six is the current Test captain of England, Ben Stokes, a true match-winner with exceptional all-round abilities. His heroic innings at Headingley and acrobatic catch in the 2019 World Cup final highlight his game-changing impact.
Adam Gilchrist, one of the most explosive wicket-keeper batters in history, occupies the number seven spot. His ability to demoralize the opposition with his attacking batting and quick work behind the stumps make him a crucial asset.
Shane Warne, the magician of leg spin, takes the number eight position, and his ability to bamboozle batters with his spin and variations make him a lethal weapon in any conditions.
At number nine, Jimmy Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, brings his impeccable swing and seam bowling skills, which have caused trouble for many Australian batters over the years.
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Glenn McGrath, known for his relentless accuracy and discipline, slots in at number ten. His ability to exploit any batting weakness and consistently take wickets make him one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.
Finally, at number eleven, Mitchell Johnson, in his menacing 2013-14 form, completes the lineup with his fiery pace and menacing bounce. His performances in that series were unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on Ashes history.
Overall, this All-Time Ashes XI is an incredibly balanced and formidable team that brings together the finest talents from both sides of cricket’s most iconic rivalry. It’s a dream lineup that showcases the best of Ashes cricket and the extraordinary talents that have graced this prestigious series throughout history.
Sir Alastair Cook’s All-Time Ashes XI:
Matthew Hayden, Andrew Strauss (c), Ricky Ponting, Joe Root, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Shane Warne, Jimmy Anderson, Glenn McGrath, Mitchell Johnson.
Also Read: Ashes 2023: England unveil their playing XI for the upcoming Oval Test
