5 best knocks in Ashes history

The Ashes played between England and Australia is regarded as the best Test rivalry in cricket. For players from both nations, the distinguished event comes out as an opportunity to showcase their mettle and solidify their reputation in the longest format of the sport. Back in the 2002-03 Ashes, Matthew Hayden became a huge name in the Test circuit after showing his spunky side in the tournament, scoring 197 in the first innings of the opening Test in Brisbane.

Like Hayden’s extraordinary knock, fans have witnessed a lot of scintillating batting displays in the history of the Ashes. These batting performances are unprecedented as they will reside in the hearts and minds of avid Test cricket supporters till their last breath.  

Here are the five best individual innings in Ashes history

5. Adam Gilchrist’s unbeaten 102 at WACA Ground (2006-07)

In the second Test of the Ashes 2006-07, England were struggling against the hosts Aussies after the first two Tests. For the visitors, the third Test was a do-or-die game to retain the Ashes urn but Australia were in no mood to show mercy on them. In the first innings, England bowlers looked confident and wrapped up Australia’s innings on 244.

However, defending the low total, Australia bowlers helped their team to take a 29-run lead, bundling out England on 215. In the second innings, Aussie batters came heavily on the opponents and put up 527 runs on the board. After scintillating tons from Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke, wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist also took England's bowling unit to the cleaners.

Smashing an unbeaten century off just 57 deliveries, Gilchrist notched up the fastest ton in the history of the Ashes. The keeper-batter’s unbeaten knock of 102 helped the hosts vanquish the English side by a huge margin of 206 runs.