The Ashes: Top 5 wicket-takers in single edition

2. Shane Warne (40 wickets, 2005 Ashes)

Shane Warne clinched 40 wickets in five matches of the 2005 Ashes competition and got the Player of the Series award along with England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. Warne’s remarkable bowling efforts went in vain as the hosts registered a 2-1 triumph over the visitors in the series. 

In the first Test at Lord’s, Warne supported Glenn McGrath with his fine bowling efforts (2/19 and 4/64) and guided his team to a 239-run triumph. After the marvellous victory at the fabled stadium, Australia lost to England by two runs in the second Test at Edgbaston. In the losing cause, Warne grabbed figures of 4/116 and 6/46.

At Trent Bridge, England handed a three-wicket defeat to the Aussies in the fourth Test and this time as well, Warne looked ferocious and bagged eight wickets in the match. The last Test concluded in a draw and with the result, Australia also lost the series. However, the Aussie spinner exuded confidence with the ball and took six wickets in both innings of the game.