10 Ashes records that may never be broken

The Ashes, contested between England and Australia, is the most iconic rivalry in Test cricket, played for more than 130 years. Contested as a five-match Test series every two years, alternately in England and Australia, it has produced memorable moments and legendary records. For players, featuring in the Ashes is not just about pride but also about registering their names in history books. 

Let’s see ten Ashes records that may never be broken:

1. Sir Don Bradman’s run tally:

Sir Donald Bradman has achieved numerous records in Ashes history. Between 1928 and 1948, the Australian legend scored a record 5,028 runs in just 37 Tests against England, averaging 89.78. He is the only batter to cross the 5,000-run mark against a single opposition, with England’s Jack Hobbs next best at 3,636 runs. Notably, Bradman’s 19 Ashes centuries, seven more than Hobbs. Interestingly, in Ashes victories, Bradman scored 2,901 runs at an average of 111.57, with 13 centuries. 

2. Sir Leonard Hutton’s highest individual score in the Ashes:

Sir Leonard Hutton holds a record in the Ashes that was created in 1938. In the game at The Oval, the England opener hammered a massive 364 against Australia, which is the highest individual score in Ashes history. His innings guided England to 903/7 declared, the highest Ashes total, as they went on to win by an innings and 579 runs. Hutton is one of only four players to score over 300 in an Ashes innings, alongside Don Bradman, Bob Simpson, and Bob Cowper. 

3. Lowest total:

The lowest team total in Ashes history is set by Australia, who were bundled out for just 36 runs against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, in May 1902. Chasing England’s 376/9 declared, the Aussies collapsed in only 23 overs at a run rate of 1.56. Despite losing a series of wickets, the match eventually ended in a draw. This is one of the lowest scores in Test cricket history.

4. Don Bradman’s 974 runs in a single series:

Sir Don Bradman’s 1930 Ashes campaign is one of the most memorable moments from this historic cricket contest. At just the age of 21, the Australian stalwart scored 974 runs in only seven innings, a record for the most runs in any Test series. His tally included four centuries, including a career-best of 334 at Headingley at an average of 139.14.

5. Jim Laker’s bowling feat:

Former English spinner Jim Laker’s bowling performance in the 1956 Old Trafford Test against Australia is one of the best bowling feats in a single Test. The off-spinner claimed 19 wickets for just 90 runs, with figures of 9 in the first innings and all 10 in the second. His 10/53 is still the best bowling in a Test innings, while his 19/90 stands as the best match return. England won the Test by an innings and 170 runs, thanks to Laker’s brilliance.

6. Most wickets in the Ashes:

Legendary leg spinner Shane Warne holds the record for the most wickets in Ashes history. The Australian picked 195 wickets in 36 Tests between 1993 and 2007, including 11 five-wicket hauls and four 10-wicket match hauls. His brilliance with the ball put him ahead of fellow Australian Glenn McGrath, who is second on the list with 157 wickets. Meanwhile, James Anderson finished with 104 Ashes scalps, and Stuart Broad retired with 118. 

7. Most Test matches played:

Sydney Gregory holds the record for most Test appearances in the Ashes. The Australian featured in 52 Ashes Tests from 1890 to 1912. Gregory scored 2,193 runs in these matches at an average of 25.80, including four centuries, with his highest score being 201. Behind him was legendary skipper Steve Waugh, who appeared in 45 matches.

8. Ian Healy’s dismissals:

Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy holds the record for the most dismissals in Ashes history, with a tally of 135. Across his Ashes career from 1989 to 1999, Healy claimed 124 catches and 11 stumpings. His ability to read bowlers, especially Australia’s strong pace attack, made him a reliable player for a decade. 

9. Ashes Biggest Wins:

England holds the record for the biggest win in Ashes history, achieved at The Oval in 1938 with an innings and 579-run victory. It is the largest margin in any Ashes Test. Another record-breaking triumph came in 1928 at Brisbane, where England crushed Australia by 675 runs. Patsy Hendren’s fine century (169) helped England pile up a massive first-innings total, before dismissing Australia for just 66 while chasing 742.

10. Most Matches as captain:

Former Australian batter Allan Border holds the record for captaining the most matches in Ashes history. Leading Australia between 1985 and 1993, he led the team for 28 Tests against England. Border not only holds the record for most matches as captain in the Ashes but also for the most wins by a skipper, with 13 victories to his name. Under his leadership, Australia lost only six Tests, while nine ended in draws.