5 Best Innings of the Ashes

The Ashes test series is arguably the most revered competition in world cricket. The competition came about after Australia had its first test victory over England on English soil in 1882, at The Oval. After the match, an obituary was published in the English newspaper, The Sporting Times, stating that English cricket had died and that "the body will be cremated, and the ashes taken to Australia."

England toured Australia in 1882/1883, recovering the Ashes by beating Australia in the tour's test series. But the rivalry has continued ever since.

Considering the sheer dedication and focus that it takes to make a triple hundred, all four individual scores of 300 or more have been included.

There has also been an importance placed on the match situation, whether it be in a rearguard action to save the day or in helping their team get over the line.

Picking out just 10 great knocks is hard enough but placing them in an order is even tougher. If you disagree strongly, argue your case in the comments section.

1. Bobby Simpson at Old Trafford – July 1964

The opening batsman from the visiting side, Bobby Simpson, scored 311. He got 740 deliveries in the crease and shot 23 fours with a remarkable solitary six.

He also shared the opening stand with Bill Lawry on 201, and this partnership came to an end as the latter ran out.

2. Kevin Pietersen 158 - The Oval 2005

Kevin Pietersen's maiden Test century was certainly a one he would never forget.

Brought into the side at the start of the famous 2005 series to play ahead of the experienced Graham Thorpe, the South African-born right-hander scored a trio of half-centuries in his first three innings.

However, he saved his best for last, making 158 on the final day of the fifth Test at the Oval.

England needed just a draw to clinch a 2-1 series victory, though their prospects looked bleak when they slipped to 126 for five.

When he was finally dismissed, bowled by Glenn McGrath, the hosts were already beginning the celebrations—the draw was secure, meaning England would win the Ashes for the first time since the 1986/87 series.

3. Don Bradman at Headingley – July 1934

During Don’s wonderful career, Headingley proved to be the best destination for him to visit. While in 1930, he made a career-best hit of 334 at the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, he came back four years later to make another triple century. After making 304, The Don got dismissed by taking home his outstanding 43 fours and 2 sixes. However, the match ended up in a draw.

If you didn’t get the chance to attend this 2019 series in England, book your Ashes tickets Australia for the upcoming tournament in Australia 2021-22.

4. Allan Border at Lord’s – June 1985

It was a tough one for the left-hander captain Allan Border. He fought at the Lord’s, but he made 196 in the first inning which wasn’t too inspiring.The Australian team was grateful to their captain when replying to 290 where Greg Ritchie made 94 in combination to a fifth-wicket stand of 216. But Allan wasn’t done yet. He came back to the crease to make a triumph of 43.

5. Len Hutton at the Oval – August 1938

Len Hutton made Test history in 1938 when he scored 364 in the fifth and final Test of the series at the Oval in London.

The Yorkshireman was playing just his sixth match for England, yet made the most of a seriously flat pitch to enter cricket's record books.

Hutton's innings spanned three days, saw him face 847 deliveries and included 35 fours.

He was finally out to Bill O'Reilly, though by then he had set a new best for the highest Test score by an individual batsman.

His record stood until 1958, when Garfield Sobers made 365 for the West Indies.