All-time Ashes combined XI

6 Ian Botham

Ian Botham

One of the greatest all-rounders to have ever played the game almost always rose to the occasion when it came to the Ashes and there is absolutely no doubt, that he is the best all-rounder to have played for either of these two countries. In the 36 Tests that he played in the Ashes from 1977 to 1989, he scored 4 centuries and 6 half-centuries.

Among them was the unforgettable 149 not out he scored at Headingley to help England stage an unlikely comeback after following on. However, he was in a different class as a bowler and remains the most successful bowler against Australia in history.

Botham took a total of 148 wickets at an average of 27.65 and tormented Australia throughout his career.