Ponting, Broad name their combined Best Ashes XI
The Ashes series is one of the most iconic and highly anticipated events in the cricketing world. The rivalry between England and Australia has been a hallmark of the sport for over a century, with some of the greatest players to have ever played the game featuring in the series. Recently, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting and ex-England fast bowler Stuart Broad have come together to name their combined Best Ashes XI of the 21st century. The team they have selected features some of the most dominant players from both England and Australia, and it’s interesting to see who made the cut.
The opening pair of the combined XI is comprised of Matthew Hayden and Alastair Cook. Both players are highly respected for their ability to score big runs at the top of the order, and their experience in Ashes cricket is unparalleled. Hayden, in particular, has a reputation for being one of the most destructive openers in the history of the game, with his ability to take the game away from the opposition with his aggressive batting. Cook, on the other hand, is one of the most successful opening batsmen in Ashes history, with a plethora of runs to his name.
The middle order of the team is just as impressive, with Ricky Ponting, Joe Root, and Steve Smith forming a formidable trio. Ponting, one of the greatest batsmen of all time, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, while Root and Smith are two of the most dominant batsmen of the current era. Root’s ability to score runs in all conditions and Smith’s incredible technique and consistency make them a nightmare for opposing bowlers to face.
The all-rounder’s spot in the team is taken by Ben Stokes, who has been one of the most impactful players in Ashes cricket in recent years. Stokes’ ability to contribute with both bat and ball, as well as his athleticism in the field, makes him a valuable asset to any team. His heroics in the 2019 Ashes series, where he played a key role in England’s dramatic comeback at Headingley, are still fresh in the minds of cricket fans around the world.
Behind the stumps, the team has Adam Gilchrist, widely regarded as one of the greatest wicket-keepers of all time. Gilchrist’s incredible batting ability, combined with his exceptional keeping skills, makes him a great choice for the team. His ability to score runs quickly and take the game away from the opposition with his aggressive batting is a valuable asset to any team.
The bowling attack of the team is just as impressive, with Shane Warne, Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad, and Glenn McGrath forming a formidable quartet. Warne, widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, while Cummins and Broad are two of the most dominant fast bowlers of the current era. McGrath, one of the most successful bowlers in Ashes history, provides a great balance to the team with his ability to take wickets and control the run rate.
In a surprise move, Ponting and Broad have picked Pat Cummins as the captain of the XI. Cummins, who has been one of the most dominant fast bowlers in the world over the past few years, has also shown great leadership skills, leading Australia to several series victories in recent years. His ability to lead from the front and make key decisions on the field makes him an excellent choice for captain.
The selection of this team is a testament to the incredible talent and depth of both England and Australia over the past two decades. The team features a great balance of experience and youth, with a mix of players who have dominated the Ashes series over the years. It’s interesting to see who made the cut and who missed out, and it’s a great conversation starter for cricket fans around the world.
In conclusion, the combined Best Ashes XI of the 21st century, as selected by Ricky Ponting and Stuart Broad, is a team that would be a force to be reckoned with on the field. With a great balance of batting and bowling, as well as a strong leadership group, this team would be a great challenge for any opposition. It’s a fascinating selection, and one that will be debated by cricket fans for a long time to come.
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