Ahead of the last day of the Ashes 2023 series, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Sport asked their viewers to pick their best XI of the Ashes 2023, which has been one of the most exciting, thoroughly contested, and grippingly watchable series of the 21st century.
The sheen from the anticipation of the 5th and final Test at the Oval was taken out a bit because Australia had retained the Ashes Urn following the draw in the 4th Test in Manchester. However, heading into the 5th day of the last Oval Test, with Australia needing 249 more runs with all 10 wickets in hand, there’s still a lot to play for both teams.
A victory or a draw for Pat Cummins’ Australian team, who currently lead the series 2-1, will help them create history as then they would win their first Ashes series in England since 2001. For Ben Stokes and his England side, they would want to take all 10 Australian wickets to end the series 2-2. Plus, lest anyone forgets, there are also WTC points at stake.
No Mitchell Starc in BBC Fans’ Best Ashes 2023 XI
Almost all the players on both sides have had their moments in the sun throughout the series, and they have made significant contributions to their team’s success and chances, making it one of the most memorable Ashes series.
The BBC Sport viewers and fans of the Ashes considered all of that in picking their best XI of Ashes 2023.
One big name that was surprisingly omitted was that of fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series with 23 wickets.
Further, even as Australia lead the series 2-1 before result on the final day at the Oval, where they are in a strong position to win the match, there were only 3 Australian players in the BBC readers’ XI of the Ashes series and 8 Englishmen.
The openers were pretty much uncontested: the top two scorers of the series: Khawaja and Crawley. For the number 3 spot, since England didn’t have a certain number 3 due to injuries to Pope and Moeen, Marnus Labuschagne takes this position.
The middle-order comprises England stars – Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes – all of three average between 40 and 52, followed by wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow, who, despite his shortcomings as a keeper, has completely outbatted Alex Carey. These four of them have combined 2 centuries and 11 fifties.
Chris Woakes and Mark Wood changed the momentum of the series mid-way with their all-round contributions in England’s Headingley victory and since then England have these two to thank for for their domination in the 3rd and 4th Tests. Broad is the second-highest wicket-taker with 20 scalps so far.
One debatable selection here by the viewers was that of Cummins (18 wickets at an average of 37) over Starc (23 wickets at 27).
Here's the team of the men's Ashes as voted for by you the @BBCSport readers. 📋
Any changes you'd make? #BBCSport #Ashes pic.twitter.com/PCh3j1Fij9
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 30, 2023
