United rivals- The all time best Ashes XI

11. Glenn McGrath (Australia):

Ashes statistics – Matches: 30. Wickets: 157. Average: 20.92. Economy: 2.70. Best Ashes figures: 8-38.

Line and length.. Pace as well, but it was the metronomic, precise bowling of Australia’s opening seamer that set McGrath apart from the pack and wore down many an English batsmen. Possessing a once-described “Rolls Royce action”, McGrath sent English wickets flying for 13 high-class years during the height of Australia’s 1990s and 2000s dominance. A tall, lean man he gained pace and bounce to trouble most stroke-makers and his accuracy tempted many of England’s best into nicks that flew behind to be gathered by a grateful slip cordon.

So crucial was his presence to the Australia attack that many attribute a freak injury suffered in the 2005 Ashes series – he stood on a ball while warming up – with derailing the visitors’ tour. McGrath has the most wickets by a pace bowler. He retired in January 2007 alongside Warne, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn after completing a 5-0 whitewash Ashes win – a result that compensated for his 2005 heartbreak.

Also Read – Top 10 Most runs scored in an over in Tests

Those who unfortunately missed out – Ricky Ponting, James Anderson, Brett Lee, Alastair Cook, Matthew Hayden etc. A look at these players is enough to guess the calibre of those who have made it ahead of them.