5 unsung heroes in the history of the Ashes

Richard Ellison (1985)

Richard Ellison bowling out Martin Crowe

England were looking to regain the urn as the series was level at 1-1 after the fourth Test in 1985. Richard Ellison, a solidly built fast bowler from Kent, didn’t inspire much confidence in the public when he was recalled for the fifth Test of the 1985 Ashes, given that he had taken only 10 wickets in 5 Tests (he went wicketless in 4 innings as well).

But the last two Tests were enough for Ellison to become an Ashes hero. In the fifth Test at Edgbaston, he took 6/77 as Australia were bowled out for 335. In the second innings, he again came to haunt Australia as he picked up 4/27, skittling the visitors out for 142.

He was not done yet - in the final Test at the Oval, Ellison finished with figures of 2/35 and 5/46. His second-innings spell helped England bundle Australia out for just 129, as England secured the Ashes with another series win.

Ellison finished with 17 wickets in the series (fifth-highest) and also dismissed opposition skipper Allan Border three times in four innings. Ellison’s inclusion injected life into England’s bowling attack as he helped them win the Ashes in 1985.