Australia’s projected Ashes XI: Who will take on Bazball Down Under?

In November, a hotly-anticipated Ashes series will get underway with Australia hosting England in the first Test of a five-match series in Perth.

The hype is building for the 2025/26 Ashes series Down Under, with one key question being asked again and again…

How will Australia, on home soil, deal with England’s Bazball style of play?

A dominant 3-0 Test series win against the West Indies saw Australia’s ever-reliable bowling unit decimate the hosts in a trio of low-scoring affairs.

However, despite their ruthlessness, the tour has raised more questions than answers with their top order performing poorly, and not for the first time in 2025.

Cricket365 has compiled Australia’s projected starting XI and how safe each player is in each position.

The Ashes: Australia projected starting XI:

1. Usman Khawaja 

Test appearances: 84

Ashes appearances: 19

Ashes average: 40.52

Chances of being dropped: medium

The Ashes may well be Khawaja’s last Test series for Australia, with the 38-year-old’s form beginning to falter and performances on the decline.

However, his career record is far superior at home, averaging 48.23 in Australia and 40.52 against England, as well as four Ashes centuries.

Khawaja makes the Australian projected team on merit, built over his illustrious 6053-run Test career.

2. Sam Konstas 

Test appearances: 5

Ashes appearances: N/A

Ashes average: N/A

Chances of being dropped: Quite high

The young Australian opener had a series to forget against West Indies, averaging just 8.33 in six innings with a high score of 25 and a gaping issue dealing with in-swinging deliveries on his pads or stumps.

But the Ashes series is about fire, and his confrontation and reverse scoops against Jasprit Bumrah in their home series over the winter showed he’s got the confidence to counterattack England’s Bazball.

3. Marnus Labuschagne

Test appearances: 58

Ashes appearances: 14

Ashes average: 40.64

Chances of being dropped: High

A controversial pick after recently being dropped for the West Indies series, but Australia’s batting frailties were exposed, and Labuschagne is worth a punt on his record alone.

Still only 31, he averages 55.98 when batting in Australia and has two Ashes centuries to his name – who could forget his Ashes heroics batting with Steve Smith in 2019?

Cameron hasn’t had the most success at number three since replacing Marnus Labuschagne. It feels like a straight shoot-out between him and Beau Webster

4. Steve Smith

Test appearances: 119

Ashes appearances: 37

Ashes average: 56.01

Chances of being dropped:  Zero

This is the banker. Steve Smith against England and the long-awaited battle with Jofra Archer has to happen; it’s the match-up we all want.

Having joined the 10,000 Test run club in the India series, Smith has achieved hero status as one of Australia’s greatest.

His record against England will excite, 12 centuries at an average of 56.01, and countless Ashes memories mean he’s straight in Australia’s projected XI.

Did I mention he averages 59.70 in 58 matches at home?

5. Travis Head

Test appearances: 60

Ashes appearances: 13

Ashes average: 39.56

Chances of being dropped: Very low

Ever-dependable, Travis Head can change matches with his incredible middle-order knocks; he’s Australia’s Bazball.

He relishes home Test series, and they don’t get much bigger than the hyped up England side coming to town, oh, how he’d love to hit them with their own game and add to his eight centuries on Australian soil.

Head can hold an end with his off-breaks and offers serious power to the home side’s punch.

6. Beau Webster

Test appearances: 7

Ashes appearances: N/A

Ashes average: N/A

Chances of being dropped: medium

The big Tasmanian all-rounder has done what many seemed to be an impossible task, and that’s matching and arguably bettering the performances of Cameron Green.

The pair are similar, 6ft 5+ frames, hit the ball hard, bowl aggressive spells and use their size to cover huge ground in the slip cordon.

In the West Indies series, Australia fielded both, but I think Labuschagne’s return will put an end to this ploy in the Ashes.

Currently, Webster is in our XI by the slimmest of margins; his all-round impact on debut in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Test against India showed his mettle.

7. Alex Carey (WK)

Test appearances: 43

Ashes appearances: 10

Ashes average: 21.27

Chances of being dropped: medium

Carey is quietly consistent and another Australian who won’t shy away from an Ashes series, remember him running out Jonny Bairstow in 2023?

He has become an authoritative member of the squad, is ever-consistent with the gloves and averages a handy 34.65.

His performances are by no means world-leading, but there is no one knocking on his door, and consequently, his place in Australia’s projected XI seems quite safe.

8. Pat Cummins (C)

Test appearances: 71

Ashes appearances: 19

Ashes average: 24.10

Chances of being dropped: Zero

Australia’s leader and ever-dependable fast-bowler has evolved into an invaluable all-rounder who bowls blistering spells and adds useful runs at number eight.

Cummins has taken 91 wickets and averages an admirable 24.10 in Ashes matches and an incredible 19.92 at home.

He’s restoring honour to Australian cricket while maintaining his place on performance merit.

9. Mitchell Starc

Test appearances: 100

Ashes appearances: 22

Ashes average: 27.37

Chances of being dropped: Very low

Whenever someone questions whether Starc has still got it, the rapid left-hander puts together a devastating performance to prove all his doubters wrong.

He brings the speed and X factor that Australia need in an Ashes series, with his first ball of the series dismissal of Rory Burns in 2021 evidence of this.

Starc secured his place in the projected XI as he secured figures of 6 for 9 as Australia ripped through the defenceless West Indies, bowling them out for 27 in July.

10. Nathan Lyon

Test appearances: 139

Ashes appearances: 30

Ashes average: 29.41

Chances of being dropped: medium

The veteran off-spinner has taken 268 wickets and claimed nine five-wicket hauls in Australia. He is a master of home pitches and a true game-winner when the surface is a few days old.

Lyon has thrived in the Ashes since his debut taste of the rivalry in 2013 and has collected 110 wickets against their oldest rivals.

At 37, it may be his last Ashes series, but he will be there if his body allows.

11. Josh Hazlewood

Test appearances: 76

Ashes appearances: 18

Ashes average: 25.97

Chances of being dropped: medium

Hazlewood is another fast bowler who thrives with the Kookaburra ball in home conditions, with 168 wickets and an average of 22.70 in Australia.

However, injuries have been an issue in recent years, and five Tests of toil will likely be a stretch.

Expect Australia to rotate their seam attack with Scott Boland eagerly waiting in the wings.

Reserves: Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis

Rotation will be key for Australia with numerous members of their squad over the age of thirty and a gruelling five-match series awaiting.

The like-for-like game of Webster and Green will provide room to chop and change their leading all-rounder, while Boland’s record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will likely see him lineup on Boxing Day.

READ MORE: England’s greatest Bazball run chases: Epic victories and heartbreaking near misses

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7 of the most ridiculous innings scores by No.4s in Test cricket

Batting at number four traditionally required cricketers with both a solid technique and the ability to move the game along.

This is why Test cricket has seen some of the best batters in the game gravitate towards that spot. Below, we have listed the top scores by number four batters in the history of the game.

1. Mahela Jayawardene

• Sri Lanka
• 374 against South Africa

Ashwell Prince, South Africa’s captain when they played against Sri Lanka in Colombo in July 2006, must have thought the visitors had Sri Lanka against the ropes when Dale Steyn bowled an incredible first two overs.

The pacer dismissed Sanath Jayasuriya with his third ball of the match, and sent Upul Tharanga packing in the fourth over.

However, the only thing Steyn did was bring Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara to the crease early.

The pair dominated South Africa’s bowlers as they mounted a 624-run third-wicket partnership. Jayawardene scored a masterful 374 off 572 balls across three days as he powered Sri Lanka to 756/5d.

The Sri Lankan captain gave the visitors a single chance to dismiss him, and they took it. However, by then, Jayawardene was tired and had inflicted severe damage. Sri Lanka won by an innings and 153 runs.

2. Inzamam-ul-Haq

• Pakistan
• 329 against New Zealand

Inzamam hobbled off the field at the close of the second day. He was suffering from cramps. However, the real victims in that match were New Zealand. Inzamam’s body was cramping because he had spent 579 minutes punishing New Zealand’s bowlers in their Test in Lahore in 2002.

Inzamam gathered pace as the innings progressed. He reached 100 runs in 191 balls, needed another 132 deliveries to get to 200, and then cantered at a run-a-ball from 201 to 300.

Inzamam’s 329 was Pakistan‘s second triple-century in Tests after Hanif Mohammad’s 337 against the West Indies at Bridgetown in 1957-58.

Inzamam’s masterful knock lifted Pakistan to 643 and set them up for a victory by an innings and 324 runs.

Also read: Revealed: The 9 batters with the most 4th-innings runs in Tests

3. Bob Cowper

• Australia
• 307 against England

Ken Barrington scored a breezy 115 from 153 in England’s first innings. Bill Lawry made 108 from 156 balls when Australia ventured to reply.

However, the most outstanding batter in that encounter was Bob Cowper, who came in at number four and shared a 212-run third-wicket partnership with Lawry on his way to a patient 307 from 589 deliveries.

Cowper was the personification of patience during the 12 hours he occupied the crease as he led Australia to 543/8d in reply to England’s first innings total of 485/9d. Cowper’s innings secured a draw for Australia.

4. Martin Crowe

• New Zealand
• 299 against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka won the toss, elected to bowl first, and humbled New Zealand in front of their home fans at the Basin Reserve in 1991.

Rumesh Ratnayake and Graeme Labrooy took four wickets apiece as they dismissed New Zealand for 174 runs. Sri Lanka backed up their bowlers by scoring 497.

Martin Crowe, who had top-scored in the first innings with a 71-ball 30, emerged as a different batter in the third innings. When he arrived at the crease, the hosts had laid a solid foundation of 148/2.

Crowe combined with Andrew Jones for a 467-run third-wicket partnership, which was the highest first-class stand by a New Zealand side.

Crowe scored 299 from 523 balls, and it helped New Zealand reach 671/4.

5. Ross Taylor

• New Zealand
• 290 against Australia

The surface that was laid out at the WACA, when Australia hosted New Zealand in November 2015, was meant for batters to thrive. David Warner showed everyone how to do it with a blazing 253 from 286 balls, after Australia had elected to bat first.

However, high temperatures and a bowling attack spearheaded by Mitchell Johnson meant that New Zealand’s task was a little harder.

Ross Taylor had a third problem to deal with; he was suffering from pterygium in his left eye – an overgrowth of the thin, clear membrane on the surface of the eye – which he was managing with eye drops.

When he walked out to bat, New Zealand was struggling on 87/2 in reply to 559/9d. Taylor mounted a 265-run third-wicket partnership with Kane Williamson as he motored to 290 from 374 balls. His innings helped New Zealand reach 624 and avoid defeat.

6. Peter May

• England
• 285 not out against West Indies

England needed to bat well in their second innings. Their first-innings total of 186 left them in danger of a humiliating defeat in Birmingham in 1957. The hosts came out to bat in their second innings trailing by 288; the West Indies had replied with 474.

Peter May, the England captain, knew that he had to lead from the front, and he did so with an unbeaten 285 in 600 minutes. He shared a 411-run fourth-wicket partnership with Colin Cowdrey that led England out of the woods and guided them to 583/4d.

May’s 285 not out was his highest in first-class cricket and the highest individual score in all post-war Test cricket, beating Compton’s 278 against Pakistan at Nottingham in 1954.

7. Javed Miandad

• Pakistan
• 280 not out against India

Miandad is one of the greatest batters from Pakistan, and he laid that bare when his side played against India in Hyderabad (Sind) in January 1983. Pakistan were on 60/2 when Miandad arrived at the crease.

He rolled his sleeves and dug in as he constructed a 451-third-wicket partnership with Mudassar Nazar on his way to an unbeaten 280.

Miandad spent 696 minutes at the crease and faced 460 deliveries on his way to the total. He steered Pakistan to a total of 531/3d, which set the stage for an overwhelming victory by an innings and 119 runs.

Highest Test scores at No. 4 – summary list

1. Mahela Jayawardene: 374
2. Inzamam-ul-Haq: 329
3. Bob Cowper: 307
4. Martin Crowe: 299
5. Ross Taylor: 290
6. Peter May: 285
7. Javed Miandad: 280

Read next: Is there space for Stuart Broad and James Anderson – or just one – in England’s best Test XI since 1985?

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The 7 lethal bowlers with the most wickets in Hundred history

Season five of The Hundred is incoming, with fans expected to flock to venues around England for a summer run-fest.

This uniquely English format of the game is designed for batsmen, with bowlers forced to struggle on flat tracks in run-friendly environments.

But from time to time, bowlers shine and do what they are meant to do: take wickets.

Some bowlers have been more successful than others, but interestingly only one bowler has taken more than 40 wickets in the format, with a further six making it past the 30-wicket milestone.

Here’s a quick look at The Hundred’s leading wicket-takers of all time.

1. Tymal Mills: 43 wickets

• Innings: 29
• Average: 17.13
• Strike rate: 12.83

Tymal Mills leads the all-time wicket charts in The Hundred, standing alone as the only bowler to have crossed the 40-wicket barrier. With his express pace and deadly variations, Mills has thrived in a format where batsmen swing freely.

His strike rate of 12.83 is exceptional, particularly considering he often bowls in the toughest phases of the game – the powerplay and the death.

Mills’ left-arm angle and sharp changes of pace have consistently made life difficult for the opposition, and he’s become a vital weapon for the Southern Brave.

Not a youngster anymore at 32 years old, Mills is a franchise cricket regular having played in white-ball leagues all over the world.

2. Adil Rashid: 38 wickets

• Innings: 29
• Average: 18.34
• Strike rate: 14.78

The only frontline spinner in the top tier of wicket-takers, Adil Rashid has shown that guile and control can still thrive in batter-dominated conditions.

The seasoned England veteran’s variations, especially the googly, continue to deceive some of the world’s best hitters. Rashid has been a key figure for Northern Superchargers, delivering breakthroughs in the middle phase of the innings and disrupting momentum.

That he maintains an average under 20 in such a hostile format for bowlers is testament to his enduring class.

3. Chris Jordan: 36 wickets

• Innings: 28
• Average: 20.19
• Strike rate: 14.05

Chris Jordan’s reputation as a white-ball specialist is well-earned, and his impact in The Hundred has been significant. His combination of yorkers, slower balls, and experience under pressure have made him a go-to death bowler.

While his average is slightly higher than others on this list, his strike rate suggests he takes wickets frequently, and often in high-pressure situations.

Jordan’s athleticism and leadership add further value to his bowling exploits, making him one of the most complete T20-format players England has produced in the tournament’s history.

Also read – The Hundred 2025: Everything you need to know and where to watch worldwide

4. Adam Milne: 34 wickets

• Innings: 23
• Average: 13.94
• Strike rate: 11.76

New Zealand’s international speedster Adam Milne may not have played as many games as others on this list, but his numbers are jaw-dropping.

With the best average and strike rate among the top seven, Milne has arguably been The Hundred’s most efficient wicket-taker. His pace and skiddy action have unsettled many batters, particularly on quicker pitches.

Injuries have unfortunately limited his appearances, but when fit and firing, Milne is a serious threat. Expect him to climb further if he stays healthy this season.

5. Sam Curran: 33 wickets

• Innings: 23
• Average: 21.18
• Strike rate: 14.69

Sam Curran brings versatility to the table. Whether it’s swinging the new ball, bowling tight lines in the middle overs, or delivering clever variations at the death, he has the ability to do it all.

The left-armer’s ability to adapt his role based on matchups is part of his success in The Hundred.

While his average is on the higher side, his regular wicket-taking ability makes him a key figure for the Oval Invincibles. Curran’s all-round credentials often steal the spotlight, but his bowling in this competition has been quietly effective.

6. Benny Howell: 32 wickets

• Innings: 30
• Average: 19.50
• Strike rate: 15.96

French-born Benny Howell isn’t a big international name or indeed a conventional white-ball bowler. He thrives on subtlety, cutters, back-of-the-hand deliveries, and a mastery of deception.

What he lacks in pace, he makes up for in unpredictability. Howell is often used in the middle overs where the field is spread and variation is key, and he’s built an excellent record for Birmingham Phoenix.

With batters increasingly looking to innovate, Howell’s ability to out-think them is what keeps him among the most consistent performers. At 36 years old he has plenty of experience and it shows.

7. Tom Hartley: 30 wickets

• Innings: 29
• Average: 19.16
• Strike rate: 13.66

A rising name in England’s spin ranks, Tom Hartley has quietly put together a highly effective record in The Hundred. The tall left-arm spinner offers bounce and angle that can be difficult to line up, especially for right-handers.

His economy is solid, and his wicket-taking frequency is even better, with a strike rate of 13.66. Still early in his career, Hartley looks like a player who will be central to England’s white-ball future, as well as a consistent force in The Hundred going forward.

Most wickets in The Hundred – top 7 summary list

1. Tymal Mills: 43 wickets
2. Adil Rashid: 38 wickets
3. Chris Jordan: 36 wickets
4. Adam Milne: 34 wickets
5. Sam Curran: 33 wickets
6. Benny Howell: 32 wickets
7. Tom Hartley: 30 wickets

Read next – The Hundred 2025 tickets on sale: General sale, ticket prices and VIP options

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Revealed: The 7 highest run-scorers in Hundred history

Now heading into its fifth season, the trends and stats from The Hundred are starting to make for some interesting reading.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at which players have scored the most runs in the competition since it was first played in 2021.

Interestingly, no player has yet passed the 1,000-run mark, but that’s a milestone that will certainly be reached before the 2025 final takes place at Lord’s on 31 August.

1. James Vince: 980 runs

• Innings: 34
• Highest score: 90 not out
• Average: 33.79

The Southern Brave captain has been Mr. Consistent since the inception of The Hundred. Whether opening or batting at first drop, Vince has delivered year after year with a clean, elegant style perfectly suited to the format.

He has come close to the 1,000-run barrier and is almost certain to be the first man to cross it in 2025. With a high score of 90* and a career average just under 34, Vince’s record is built on consistency rather than explosions, but make no mistake, he can accelerate when needed.

While Vince has played for England across all three international formats, he has failed to make a serious impact, but in The Hundred he has been superb.

2. Phil Salt: 935 runs

• Innings: 35
• Highest score: 86
• Average: 27.50

Explosive and aggressive from ball one, he’s a big name on the franchise scene and a perfect fit for the intensity of The Hundred. He’s been a key figure for Manchester Originals and is often tasked with getting his side off to flying starts.

While his average is lower than others on this list, his strike rate and impact per innings are immense. His ability to take on pace and spin equally well makes him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. When Salt gets going, he is a player to be feared.

3. Ben Duckett: 891 runs

• Innings: 30
• Highest score: 92
• Average: 35.64

Duckett has quietly built one of the most effective batting records in the competition. His unconventional yet adaptable style allows him to dominate both spin and pace, although he’s particularly effective against slower bowlers.

With a superb average of 35.64, better than any of the top ten run-scorers, he brings stability and flair to whichever side he’s representing. His highest score of 92 shows he’s not just a contributor, but a match-winner.

He is a big-name player and a man for the big occasion and, with 104 boundaries, to his credit he has hit the most in The Hundred.

Also read – The Hundred 2025: Everything you need to know and where to watch worldwide

4. Dawid Malan: 808 runs

• Innings: 31
• Highest score: 98 not out
• Average: 32.32

One of England’s most reliable short-format players, Malan brings a touch of class and composure to The Hundred. His unbeaten 98 remains one of the best innings in the tournament’s history – it was a knock that highlighted both his range and his temperament.

Often batting at number three, he can adapt his game to the state of the innings, be it consolidation or acceleration. With over 800 runs already, he remains a crucial part of the Northern Superchargers line-up.

5. Will Jacks: 790 runs

• Innings: 32
• Highest score: 108 not out
• Average: 25.48

Jacks is one of just a handful of players to have reached triple figures in an innings in The Hundred, with his unbeaten 108* one of the competition’s most explosive knocks.

A dynamic top-order batter, Jacks is all about power and intent. His average of 25.48 reflects his high-risk style, but his impact with the bat is often game-defining.

He boasts an exceptional strike rate of 162.21 and with 44 sixes to his credit is second only to Liam Livingstone in terms of the most maximums hit in the competition. Expect him to climb this list rapidly if he continues in the same vein this season.

6. Liam Livingstone: 755 runs

• Innings: 28
• Highest score: 92 not out
• Average: 32.82

Livingstone’s presence in the list is no surprise. Known for his six-hitting prowess and fearless approach, he’s often the player tasked with turning the momentum of a game.

His highest score in the competition, an unbeaten 92, is a reminder of how destructive he can be when set. Although injuries and England duty have limited his number of appearances, he still boasts one of the best averages on this list.

If fully fit, he’s a serious contender to reach the 1,000-run mark this season. With 52 sixes to his credit, he has hit the most maximums in the competition.

7. Alex Hales: 736 runs

• Innings: 33
• Highest score: 68
• Average: 23.00

Hales’ numbers may not be as eye-catching in terms of average, but few players are more naturally suited to the format. His strike rate has often been among the best in the league, and his aggressive intent from the start puts bowlers under pressure.

While his top score of 68 suggests he’s yet to convert a big innings in The Hundred, his value lies in setting the tone and seizing momentum early on.

Most runs in The Hundred – top 7 summary list

1. James Vince: 980 runs
2. Phil Salt: 935 runs
3. Ben Duckett: 891 runs
4. Dawid Malan: 808 runs
5. Will Jacks: 790 runs
6. Liam Livingstone: 755 runs
7. Alex Hales: 736 runs

Read next – The Hundred 2025 tickets on sale: General sale, ticket prices and VIP options

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Ranked: The 7 best bowling figures ever recorded in The Hundred

With the start of The Hundred just around the corner, it’s a good time to reflect on some of the great performances of the past.

Unlike regular T20 cricket where bowlers have 24 deliveries to work their magic, in The Hundred they have four fewer, given that their maximum allowed is 20.

Despite that, seven bowlers have managed to bag five-wicket hauls, some of them at quite astounding economy rates. 2025 will be the fifth iteration of the tournament which started in 2021.

Let’s take a moment to remember the standout bowling performances from the last five years.

1. Calvin Harrison: 5/11

• Originals vs Superchargers at Old Trafford
• Season: 2023

In one of the most astonishing bowling displays in the history of The Hundred, Manchester Originals South African-born leg-spinner Calvin Harrison tore through the Northern Superchargers line-up in 2023 with scarcely believable figures of 5 for 11.

His spell combined pinpoint accuracy, subtle variations in pace, and an almost telepathic ability to read batters. It was the most economical five-wicket haul in the tournament’s history, coming at a rate of just 1.65 runs per five balls.

In all, he bowled 12 dots from his 20 deliveries in what was a largely unplayable performance.

Harrison’s ability to turn the ball on helpful surfaces made him a menace throughout the season, but this performance at Old Trafford was the undisputed highlight. It was a masterclass in wrist spin bowling under pressure.

2. Tim Southee: 5/12

• Phoenix vs Rockets at Edgbaston
• Season: 2024

Veteran New Zealand paceman Tim Southee may have built his reputation in Test cricket, but his 2024 outing for Birmingham Phoenix proved he still has plenty to offer in the game’s shortest formats.

Against the Trent Rockets, Southee produced a clinical spell that dismantled the opposition with seam, swing, and precision.

He removed key batters in the powerplay and returned later to mop up the tail, finishing with 5 for 12 in his full set of 20 balls.

With an economy rate of just 3.6, it was a shining example of how experience and adaptability can still dominate a format built for aggressive batting.

Also read – The Hundred 2025: Everything you need to know and where to watch worldwide

3. Josh Little: 5/13

• Originals vs Invincibles at Old Trafford
• Season: 2022

Ireland’s Josh Little made headlines around the cricketing world in 2022 when he picked up a stunning 5 for 13 for the Originals against the Oval Invincibles.

Left-arm seamers are a rare and prized asset in T20 and Hundred formats, and Little used his angle to full effect. His variations, particularly the back-of-the-hand slower ball, confused batters and brought consistent rewards.

He bowled with genuine pace and aggression, striking in each of his spells and helping the Originals secure a crucial win. It was a performance that solidified his growing reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting white-ball prospects. 

4. Sam Curran: 5/16

• Invincibles vs Spirit at Lord’s
• Season: 2024

Sam Curran has long been known for his knack of delivering in crunch situations, and in 2024 in England he showed why he’s one of the most valuable all-rounders in white-ball cricket.

Playing for the Oval Invincibles, Curran picked up 5 for 16 against London Spirit in a dazzling spell that showcased all his skills: new-ball swing, death-over yorkers, and the occasional well-disguised slower ball.

Curran’s ability to adapt his length to suit both the pitch and the batter was particularly impressive, and the energy he brought into every delivery was infectious. It was an all-action display that left Spirit in tatters and confirmed Curran’s status as a fan favourite.

What made his performance even more impressive was the fact that when batting he hit an unbeaten 51.

5. Marchant de Lange: 5/20

• Rockets vs Brave at Trent Bridge
• Season: 2021

 South African speedster Marchant de Lange delivered one of the earliest and most memorable bowling performances in The Hundred when he took 5 for 20 for the Trent Rockets against Southern Brave in the inaugural 2021 season.

De Lange’s raw pace and bounce proved too much for the Brave’s top and middle order. The South African quick bowled with menace and aggression, hitting the deck hard and targeting the stumps.

His wickets included several key batters and ensured the Rockets got off to a flying start in the tournament. Though the format was new and still finding its feet, De Lange’s spell was a timely reminder of the value of out-and-out fast bowling.

6. Imran Tahir: 5/25

• Phoenix vs Fire at Edgbaston
• Season: 2021

Few cricketers have played the game with the same joy and energy as Imran Tahir, and his five-wicket haul for Birmingham Phoenix in 2021 was the perfect example of his enduring class.

At 42, Tahir became the first spinner to take a five-for in The Hundred, finishing with 5 for 25 against Welsh Fire. What made the spell so special was its theatricality; from Tahir’s trademark celebrations to the relentless attacking fields that he demanded.

His googlies, flippers, and leg-breaks were all on display as he outfoxed the Fire batters. It was a timely reminder that guile and experience could still play a decisive role in the shortest formats.

7. Henry Brookes: 5/25

• Phoenix vs Brave at Edgbaston
• Season: 2022

Birmingham Phoenix had another bowling hero in 2022 when Henry Brookes stormed through Southern Brave with a devastating 5 for 25. A tall, skiddy right-arm seamer, Brookes found movement off the pitch and troubled batters with his heavy deliveries.

What made his performance especially memorable was that he did it against a strong Brave batting unit filled with internationals. Brookes mixed up his pace cleverly and took wickets at key intervals, stopping Brave’s chase in its tracks.

It was a breakout performance that gave Phoenix the edge and put Brookes firmly on the radar for higher honours.

Best bowling figures in The Hundred – top 7 summary list

1. Calvin Harrison: 5/11
2. Tim Southee: 5/12
3. Josh Little: 5/13
4. Sam Curran: 5/16
5. Marchant de Lange: 5/20
6. Imran Tahir: 5/25
7. Henry Brookes: 5/25

Read next – The Hundred 2025 tickets on sale: General sale, ticket prices and VIP options

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Revealed: The 11 highest successful 4th-innings run chases in Test cricket

Will England slot into this list of the highest successful run chases in Test cricket?

Find out more about the highest fourth-innings run chases in Tests.

There have been some formidable chases over the years.

1. West Indies: 418/7

• Opposition: Australia
• Venue: Antigua
• Year: 2003

West Indies hold the record for the highest successful fourth-innings run chase in the history of Test cricket.

2. South Africa: 414/4

• Opposition: Australia
• Venue: Perth
• Year: 2008

This is South Africa’s highest successful run chase in Test cricket and the highest overall by a visiting team in Tests.

3. Australia: 404/3

• Opposition: England
• Venue: Leeds
• Year: 1948

This is the oldest successful run chase in Test cricket on this list, dating back more than seven decades.

Also read – Revealed: The 9 batters with the most 4th-innings runs in Tests

4. India: 406/4

• Opposition: West Indies
• Venue: Trinidad
• Year: 1976

India were marvelous en route to their highest successful run chase in Test cricket away from home 50-plus years ago.

5. West Indies: 395/7

• Opposition: Bangladesh
• Venue: Chittagong
• Year: 2021

This is West Indies’ highest successful run chase away from home.

6. Sri Lanka: 391/6

• Opposition: Zimbabwe
• Venue: Colombo
• Year: 2017

Sri Lanka all but bullied the visiting Zimbabweans.

7. India: 387/4

• Opposition: England
• Venue: Chennai
• Year: 2008

This is India’s highest successful run chase in Tests at home.

8. England: 378/3

• Opposition: India
• Venue: Birmingham
• Year: 2022

Despite their recent additions elsewhere on this list, this is still England’s highest successful run chase in Test cricket.

9. Pakistan: 382/3

• Opposition: Sri Lanka
• Venue: Pallekele
• Year: 2015

Pakistan were at their best away from home 10 years ago.

10. England: 373/5

• Opposition: India
• Venue: Leeds
• Year: 2025

This is the most recent addition to the list of highest successful run chases in Test cricket.

11. Australia: 369/6

• Opposition: Pakistan
• Venue: Hobart
• Year: 1999

This is Australia’s highest successful run chase in Tests at home.

Read next: Is there space for Stuart Broad and James Anderson – or just one – in England’s best Test XI since 1985?

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Revealed: The 7 highest individual scores in The Hundred

England’s unique cricket tournament, The Hundred, is due to start in early August.

Unlike traditional T20 games where 120 legal balls are bowled, this is a slightly shorter format, with, as the name suggests, only 100 balls per innings.

What it means is that there’s less time to score big runs, so not surprisingly the competition has only seen three batsmen go past the 100-run mark.

But who are those batsmen, who else has come close, and what are the highest scores recorded in the history of The Hundred?

Here are the top seven innings in the history of the men’s competition.

1. Will Jacks: 108 not out

• Invincibles vs Brave at The Oval
• Season: 2022
• Strike rate: 225.0

Will Jacks became the first player to truly explode in The Hundred format when he belted a phenomenal 108 not out for Oval Invincibles against Southern Brave in 2022.

His innings came off just 48 balls and included eight sixes and ten fours. It was a brutal display of power-hitting that lit up The Oval and helped the Invincibles to a crushing seven-wicket victory.

It was a statement knock that combined clean striking, composure, and a deep understanding of the short format. Even more impressively, it came while chasing a target, underlining Jacks’ potential as a game-finisher.

2. Harry Brook: 105 not out

• Northern Superchargers vs Welsh Fire at Headingley
• Season: 2023
• Strike rate: 250.0

In terms of strike rate, Harry Brook’s century is arguably the most destructive of the lot. The Northern Superchargers star smashed 105 not out from just 42 balls against Welsh Fire in 2023.

But it wasn’t enough to secure a win as his teammates struggled alarmingly – Adam Hose (15) aside, Brook was the only player not dismissed for single figures as he dominated the scoring contributing 105 out of a total of 158.

Brook was relentless from the outset, launching the ball to all corners of Headingley. His strike rate of 250.0 remains the highest for any score over 90 in the tournament’s history.

The innings highlighted his growing reputation as one of England’s most dynamic middle-order batters and added further weight to calls for his regular inclusion in England’s white-ball squads.

Also read – The Hundred 2025: Everything you need to know and where to watch worldwide

3. Will Smeed: 101 not out

• Phoenix vs Brave at Edgbaston
• Season: 2022
• Strike rate: 202.0

Will Smeed made history in 2022 as the first player ever to score a hundred in The Hundred. The Birmingham Phoenix opener achieved the milestone with a fluent, risk-free knock that perfectly balanced aggression with technical poise.

His 101 not out came off 50 balls and was marked by impressive control and a strong sense of timing, with boundaries flowing without the need for slogging.

It was a landmark innings that set a benchmark for future batters in the competition, demonstrating that even in a 100-ball format, centuries were possible with proper planning and execution.

4. Dawid Malan: 98 not out

• Rockets vs Originals at Old Trafford
• Season: 2022
• Strike rate: 222.72

Just two runs short of joining the century club, Dawid Malan’s unbeaten 98 against the Manchester Originals was a classy innings that reaffirmed his pedigree as one of England’s most consistent white-ball batters.

He struck nine boundaries and five sixes in a 44-ball innings that had a bit of everything: cover drives, sweeps, ramps, and sheer brute force.

Malan timed his acceleration to perfection and might well have gone on to make three figures had the Rockets innings not ended just before he had the chance. As far as near-misses go, this was as close, and as polished, as they come.

5. Dan Lawrence: 93

• Spirit vs Rockets at Lord’s
• Season: 2023
• Strike rate: 189.79

Dan Lawrence is not necessarily the first name that comes to mind in a list of explosive hitters, but in 2023 he produced one of the most eye-catching innings in The Hundred.

Playing for London Spirit, Lawrence took on the Rockets at Lord’s and hammered a rapid 93 off just 49 balls. It was a beautifully measured innings, punctuated by some inventive stroke play and nimble footwork.

He showed that you don’t need brute strength to make an impact and that timing, placement, and game awareness can be just as lethal. It was a career-best knock in the format and one that raised his profile significantly.

6. Liam Livingstone: 92 not out

• Phoenix vs Superchargers at Lord’s
• Season: 2021
• Strike rate: 230.0

Livingstone is one of the biggest and most feared hitters in world cricket, and his unbeaten 92 for Birmingham Phoenix in 2021 remains one of the most memorable innings in The Hundred’s short history.

Coming off just 40 balls, his innings included 10 sixes, the most in a single innings at the time, and it turned a solid total into a match-winning one.

It was classic Livingstone: muscular, fearless, and unrelenting. Though he narrowly missed out on a century, it confirmed his status as the competition’s most dangerous finisher, and one of its most watchable stars.

7. Ben Duckett: 92

• Phoenix vs Brave at Edgbaston
• Season: 2024
• Strike rate: 173.58

In 2024, Ben Duckett joined the ranks of those just shy of a century with a typically innovative 92 against Southern Brave. Duckett’s ability to reverse sweep and work angles was on full display as he manipulated the field expertly across his 53-ball innings.

Though his strike rate was the lowest among this elite group, it was still an innings of great control and strategic intent. He took on the spinners with confidence and used the pace of the quicks cleverly.

While he fell short of the milestone, it was a pivotal innings in the context of Phoenix’s campaign.

Read next – The Hundred 2025 tickets on sale: General sale, ticket prices and VIP options

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England’s series with India on knife-edge as rain ends play with 35 runs needed by hosts

England’s series with India on knife-edge as rain ends play with 35 runs needed by hosts

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Ranked: The 7 best No. 4 batters in the history of Test cricket

Do you want to know more about the best No. 4 batters in the history of Test cricket?

In terms of runs scored coming in at second wicket down, who are the top scorers of all time in that position and where do Joe Root and Virat Kohli rank among them?

Let’s take a look at the great Test cricket No. 4s.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 13,492 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 54.4

The greatest of them all, Sachin Tendulkar’s achievements at number four are unmatched.

His incredible tally of runs and ability to deliver in pressure situations made him the benchmark for all other number four batsmen.

Tendulkar doesn’t just boast the second highest average on this list he is also so far ahead at the top of the list that it will take something quite incredible to see him caught – especially in an era where less Test cricket is being played.

2. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 9,509 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 52.24

A stylish batsman known for his elegant stroke play; Mahela Jayawardene was a giant for Sri Lanka.

His record at number four includes several match-winning and match-saving innings, particularly in home conditions.

Also read: Is there space for Stuart Broad and James Anderson – or just one – in England’s best Test XI since 1985?

3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 9,033 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 61.86

The greatest all-rounder in the modern era, Jacques Kallis was a colossus for South Africa.

His record at number four is simply incredible, as he combined immense technical ability with unparalleled patience and concentration.

Kallis spent a large portion of his career batting at three, but it was at four where he really thrived.

4. Joe Root (England) – 8,316 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 52.30

Joe Root’s ability to play long innings has been a defining feature of his career. As England’s most prolific run-scorer at number four, he has been a rock in their batting lineup, thriving in various conditions.

Still actively playing, Root looks set to add to his bucket-load of runs. He is 34 years old and looks to have plenty of time to attempt to catch the men ahead of him on this list.

5. Virat Kohli (India) – 7,564 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 50.09

An iconic figure in modern cricket, Virat Kohli’s dominance at number four was defined by his remarkable consistency, aggression, and ability to chase down targets.

His centuries came in all conditions and against the best attacks in the world – and when he was operating as skipper, he took it up another level.

6. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 7,535 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 51.25

A genius with the bat, Brian Lara was a master of big scores. His highest Test score of 400 not out came while batting at number four, underscoring his ability to dominate bowlers from this position.

Never one to stand back in the face of a challenge, Lara had all the shots in the book. He carried the West Indies batting for a long period and was one of the greatest ever batsmen to watch – Lara wasn’t just a batsman, he was an artist.

7. Ross Taylor (New Zealand) – 7,087 Test runs at No. 4 at an average of 47.24

A mainstay of the New Zealand middle order for over a decade, Ross Taylor’s consistency at number four was remarkable.

His ability to adapt to various match situations made him one of the most dependable batters for the Black Caps.

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

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Joe Root tops yet another Test record list as Sachin Tendulkar and Graeme Smith take a backseat in the 4th innings

According to statistics, most batters shine in the first and second innings.

Things get harder in the third innings and much more difficult in the fourth innings, so much so that few batters have scored more than 1400 runs in the fourth innings.

Below, we have listed some of the most prolific batters in the fourth innings. Read to see who has the most runs in the final Test cricket match innings.

9. Brian Lara, 1,440 fourth-innings Test runs

Brian Lara was the mainstay for the West Indies’ batting order for 16 years. The left-hander came in when the West Indies had just lost a cohort of great batters that included Viv Richards, Desmond Haynes and other stars from the 80s. The West Indies struggled with the bat so much that they often batted twice while their opponents had a single innings.

Lara tried to do in the fourth innings what he did in the first and second innings. He amassed 1440 fourth-innings runs in his career, and his best outing was his unbeaten 153 against Australia in March 1999. No other West Indies batter reached the 40-run mark, and Lara’s knock shepherded the West Indies to a one-wicket win.

8. Ricky Ponting, 1,465 fourth-innings Test runs

No other Australian batter has as many runs in the fourth innings as Ricky Ponting. The former Australian captain was brilliant in the final innings, and when he got going, he was difficult to dismiss. Nothing demonstrates that more than his six 50s and four centuries in the fourth innings.

Ponting accumulated 1465 runs in the fourth innings, and his finest performance was his dominant 156 against England in 2005. Ponting’s knock was the barrier that denied England victory and secured Australia a draw in a match they should have lost. His measured innings featured 16 fours and a single six as he mounted a one-man defence.

Ponting played for Australia from 1995 to 2012, and he scored 1465 runs in the fourth innings in that period.

Also read: England report cards (out of 10) after Headingley Test win over India – have we been too generous to Ben Duckett and not generous enough to Chris Woakes?

7. Younis Khan, 1,465 fourth-innings Test runs

No Pakistan batter has as many fourth-innings runs as Younis Khan. The number four batter was so good in the fourth innings that he averaged 50.5 runs in 40 innings. Khan’s brilliance is made clearer by the six 50s and five hundreds in the final innings.

His finest innings was an unbeaten 171 that he carved as he steered Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in 2015. Khan’s innings meant so much because it was the first time Pakistan scored 377 runs in the fourth innings. The manner of his knock belied the demanding nature of the surface.

6. Rahul Dravid, 1,575 fourth-innings Test runs

Rahul Dravid has the second-most fourth-innings runs by an Indian batter. The former number three batter featured in 57 fourth innings for India between 1996 and 2012. He scored 1575 runs at an average of 40.38.

The century, an unbeaten 103, came in January 1999 against New Zealand. India was on 33/1 when Dravid arrived at the crease. The number three batter shared a brief 22-run partnership with Ajay Jadeja before he joined forces with Sourav Ganguly for a 194-run third-wicket stand that secured a draw for India.

5. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 1,580 fourth-innings Test runs

Chanderpaul was one of the greatest number fives in Test cricket. The West Indian star also scored the most fourth-innings runs for the West Indies. The Guyanese batter featured 49 times in the fourth innings between 1994 and 2015. In that time, he compiled 1580 runs at an average of 41.57.

Chanderpaul scored 11 50s and two centuries in the fourth innings, and his best was an unbeaten 116 against England in 2007. The century was a follow-up to a half-century he had scored in the second innings. Chanderpaul was head and shoulders above the rest of the West Indies batting lineup in that match; no other West Indies batter scored more than 40 runs in a single innings.

4. Alastair Cook, 1,611 fourth-innings Test runs

Cook has the second-most runs in the fourth innings by an English batter. The former opener scored 1611 runs in 53 innings at an average of 35.8. Cook featured for England from 2006 to 2018, and in that time, he managed nine 50s and two centuries in the fourth innings.

The best of his centuries was 116 against Australia in 2006. Cook’s ton was a valiant effort as England fought to save the Test; however, the mountain was too high for Cook to scale alone, and while there were two half-centuries in the innings, it was not enough.

3. Graeme Smith, 1,611 fourth-innings Test runs

Smith was one of the best fourth-innings batters for South Africa, and his average is a good reflection of that. The former South African captain featured in 41 knocks in the fourth innings for South Africa, and he amassed 1611 runs at an average of 51.96. That tally features nine 50s and four centuries.

His best knock was an unbeaten 154 against New Zealand in 2004. His 203-ball innings featured 17 fours as he led South Africa to victory over the hosts in Christchurch.

2. Sachin Tendulkar, 1,625 fourth-innings Test runs

Tendulkar had one of the longest international careers ever. His career spanned from 1989 to 2013, and in that period, he walked out to bat for India 60 times in the fourth innings for a total of 1625 runs at an average of 36.93. Tendulkar also scored seven 50s and three half-centuries in the fourth innings.

His best outing was an unbeaten 136 against Pakistan in Chennai in 1999. Tendulkar lacked support for most of the innings; nine of the Indian batters who walked out did not score more than 11 runs. Nayan Mongia scored a patient 50 from 135 balls, but Tendulkar needed more support.

1. Joe Root, 1,737 fourth-innings Test runs

Joe Root has been collecting records in 2025, and when he walked out to bat against India in the fourth innings at Headingley in June 2025, he broke another one. He overtook Sachin Tendulkar on his way to the most runs in the fourth innings in Test cricket. The former England captain is now on 1737 runs in 51 appearances in the fourth innings.

Root has an average of 43.42 in knocks that feature 10 50s and two centuries. His best fourth-innings performance was an unbeaten 142 against India in 2022. Root led with the bat, playing his regular repertoire of shots sprinkled with some ‘Bazball-flavoured’ ones as he led England to victory. It was in the first year of Bazball, and Root showed his adaptability with a brilliant knock.

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

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Late Crawley wicket a galling blow – but no team embraces a run chase like England

Late Crawley wicket a galling blow – but no team embraces a run chase like England

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England lose grip as India fight back and tempers flare again

England lose grip as India fight back and tempers flare again

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How India’s head coach combined cricket and politics to build a $30m empire

India Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir, isn’t your typical cricketing success story; he has had a remarkable journey to the nation’s top job.

Gambhir came from wealth and was born into a New Delhi family with an established presence in the textiles trade in India.

The former opener could have leaned on that privilege, but became one of the most inspiring success stories as a person who has given all to public life in India.

The 43-year-old has generated enormous wealth on his own accord with his experience in sports, politics and business, helping him amass a fortune worth over $30million as one of India’s richest cricketers.

From fortunate beginnings to an understated ambition that’s easy to overlook – but difficult to ignore.

A platform to thrive in India

• Gautam Gambhir net worth: $32million
• Invested in property and positive societal change

Gambhir is renowned as being one of India’s most successful batters, a free-scoring opener who thrived in the big moments when the lights were on.

His performances in the IPL to World Cup Finals spoke for themselves, a razor-sharp, professional demeanour – no frills, a man who didn’t need the limelight.

Behind his on-field ruthlessness was the stability of a supportive upbringing; the Gambhir family’s established textiles business meant he never needed to chase contracts for financial freedom.

This freedom meant Gambhir didn’t chase TV deals or enter the endorsement circus, instead investing early in land as well as education, using his platform to be an ambassador for change.

Using his cunning business smarts to establish generational wealth in India’s capital.

Swapping the Arun Jaitley stadium for the Parliament of India

• Retired from professional cricket in 2018
• Member of Parliament for East Delhi (2019 to 2024)
• Appointed Indian Head Coach in 2024

Following the culmination of his playing career in 2019, Gambhir made his entrance into Indian politics and won the East Delhi parliamentary seat for New Delhi and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Many questioned his career change, but Gambhir proved through his controversial stands and forthright campaigning that he was no celebrity vote.

He approached the role with an impetus on positive growth and change, helping him garner immense respect and popularity until his exit from politics in 2024 to move back into the cricketing sphere.

And while his political activities came to a close, his low-key investments in real estate, sports, and tech have seen his net worth continue to grow.

His wealth has quietly expanded through his behind-the-scenes smarts rather than pouncing on any sniff of money.

Gambhir’s cameo in politics opened a lucrative new world for the now National Team Head Coach, who is carrying out his duties for the side while his groundwork continues to prosper in the periphery.

An influence in policy circles has also opened the doors to private consultancy and advisory work that has, for years, converted efforts for positive change into financial growth.

His secure financial future, which is nearing a net worth of $50 million, means Gamhir is the coolest of heads for the Indian team, approaching coaching with the only pressure on the pitch.

Free from needing to hunt for his next pay cheque, Gambhir’s independence allows him to prioritise the development of his players and team.

READ MORE: Revealed: The highest-ever individual scores from opening Test batsmen

 

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5 opening partnerships that prove Crawley and Duckett are not the worst combo vs India

Opening the batting in Test cricket is no easy job. The ball is new, the bowlers are fresh, and the margin for error is razor thin.

Doing it against India, who traditionally boast both skilled seamers and world-class spinners, makes the task even tougher. But over the years, a few opening pairs have repeatedly managed to defy Indian bowlers and lay solid foundations for their teams.

With Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley having shared an opening stand of 166 in the recently completed fourth Test at Old Trafford, let’s take a look at the five most successful opening combinations against India in Test cricket.

1. Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes (West Indies)

• 50-plus stands vs India: 8
• Innings: 30

Arguably the most iconic opening pair in West Indies history, Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes combined flair with discipline. Between the late 1970s and early 1990s, the duo opened the batting 30 times against India and crossed the 50-run mark on eight occasions.

Whether it was facing Kapil Dev in Indian conditions or tackling spin on slow pitches, Greenidge and Haynes brought assurance at the top.

The duo seemed to be unphased about playing home or away and their consistency played a key role in West Indies’ dominance during that era. Their style was complementary; Greenidge aggressive and punchy, Haynes compact and steady.

2. Bill Lawry and Bob Simpson (Australia)

• 50-plus stands vs India: 7
• Innings: 9

This pairing from the 1960s remains one of the most effective against India. Bill Lawry, a stoic accumulator, and Bob Simpson, a stylish right-hander, forged seven fifty-plus opening stands in just nine innings – a truly astonishing conversion rate.

The pair tormented the Indian bowlers during their tours of Australia and their own visits to the subcontinent. Their best performance came in the 1967-68 series in Australia, where they repeatedly saw off the new ball and set up big totals.

Their success was built on patience, sharp running between wickets, and excellent judgment outside off-stump.

Also read: Who has the most Test 100s? Joe Root in hot pursuit of No.1 spot

3. Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer (Australia)

• 50-plus stands vs India: 7
• Innings: 16

The early 2000s saw India face a resurgent Australia, and at the top of that powerhouse lineup were Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. Together they posted seven partnerships of 50 or more against India, many of them aggressive and game changing.

Hayden was a bully with the bat, using his reach and power to dominate Indian spin, while Langer offered gritty resistance. Their finest hour came in the unforgettable 2004 series in India, where they helped Australia win a Test series in the subcontinent for the first time in 35 years.

4. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley (England)

• 50-plus stands vs India: 7
• Innings: 17

The most recent entrants on this list, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, have formed an explosive opening combination under England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ regime.

In just 17 innings against India, they have already posted seven 50-plus opening partnerships, an indicator of how disruptive they’ve been. Unlike traditional openers, their approach is built on attacking intent.

Crawley’s elegant stroke play and Duckett’s sweeps and cuts have allowed England to counter whatever India have thrown at them from early on and immediately put pressure on bowlers.

Their rapid scoring rate often shifts momentum in England’s favour, even if they don’t always convert starts into centuries.

5. Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook (England)

• 50-plus stands vs India: 7
• Innings: 20

One of England’s most dependable opening pairs, Strauss and Cook combined grit, temperament, and technical assurance.

Across 20 innings against India, they managed seven fifty-plus stands, many of them in difficult subcontinental conditions. Strauss, the more attacking of the two, was particularly effective in India, while Cook’s ability to bat for long periods proved invaluable.

Read next: Ben Stokes blocked from IPL 2026 as shock rule preventing his return to India revealed

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