The Ashes: Top Five Run-Scorers in a Single Edition

The Ashes, the renowned cricket series between England and Australia, garners immense attention in international cricket and holds a special place for both teams. As the two teams prepare to face each other in the upcoming series starting on June 16th, the anticipation is high.

Australia enters the series with confidence after their victory over Team India in the final game of the WTC Championship at the Oval, while England is riding the momentum of their recent win over Ireland at Lord’s. The clash between these two cricketing giants promises to be a thrilling contest.

Over the years, the Ashes series has witnessed historic moments and featured legendary players from both sides. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and highlight the top five run-scorers in a single edition of the Ashes.

1. Steve Smith – 687 Runs

Steve Smith, a modern-day batting great, has found tremendous success in Test cricket. Known for his unconventional stance and technique, Smith has amassed numerous records and accolades in the format. During the 2017-18 Ashes series, Smith played a pivotal role for Australia, scoring a remarkable 687 runs in five matches. His tally included three centuries and two half-centuries in seven innings. Leading the Australian team as captain, Smith’s batting prowess proved instrumental in their victory.

2. David Gower – 732 Runs

David Gower, one of the most prolific English batsmen of his time, showcased his brilliance during the 1985 Ashes campaign. In the six-match series, Gower accumulated a total of 732 runs, playing a vital role in England’s triumph. His tally consisted of three centuries across nine innings. Notably, Gower’s standout performance came in the fifth test, where he scored a remarkable 215 runs in the first innings. His contributions played a significant role in England’s series win.

3. Sir Alastair Cook – 766 Runs

Sir Alastair Cook, a legend of English cricket, left an indelible mark on the sport through his exceptional batting skills and leadership. During the historic Ashes victory in Australia, where England won the series 3-1, Cook played a crucial role. With three centuries and two half-centuries, he finished the series as the highest run-scorer, amassing a remarkable total of 766 runs at an outstanding average of 127.66. Cook’s ability to occupy the crease, accumulate runs, and provide solid starts at the top of the order was vital to England’s success.

4. Steve Smith (2019) – 774 Runs

In 2019, Steve Smith once again showcased his batting prowess in the Ashes series, solidifying his reputation as one of the best batsmen of his generation. His outstanding performance prevented Australia from losing a Test match in the Ashes for the first time in 18 years. Smith amassed an extraordinary 774 runs in just seven innings, maintaining an average of 110.57. His contribution played a crucial role in Australia retaining the Ashes, as the series ended in a 2-2 draw, allowing Australia to retain the urn as the previous holders.

5. Mark Taylor – 839 Runs

Mark Taylor, a key member of the dominant Australian team, delivered a remarkable display during the 1989 Ashes. His record-setting performance remains unmatched to this day. Throughout the series, Taylor scored a staggering 839 runs, establishing himself as the highest run-scorer. His exceptional leadership and batting excellence played a significant role in Australia’s comprehensive victory. Taylor’s contributions were instrumental in Australia regaining the Ashes urn, and his performances earned him recognition as one of the standout players of the series.