Top 5 batting performances - The Ashes in England 2013

4) Ashton Agar (98, 1st Test, 2nd innings)

Ashton Agar acknowledges the crowd after being dismissed by Stuart Broad of England for 98 runs during day two of the 1st Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on July 11, 2013 in Nottingham, England. (Getty Images)

Probably the most celebrated knock of this year across all formats. Even if Michael Clarke or Kevin Pietersen had played this knock coming in at number 4, this knock would have made it here simply because of the way it took the wind out of the opposition’s sails.

Add to that all the other factors – Australia looking at a deficit close to 100 runs, Agar playing his first Test, Agar batting at number 11, etc. – and you do not have a single reason why this innings should be excluded from our list.