Ricky Ponting, Stuart Broad pick combined Ashes XI of 21st century, leave out England legend

With the 2025-26 Ashes just days away, with the opening Test set to begin on November 21 in Perth, the marquee series has already grabbed significant attention as England return to Australia seeking their first series win Down Under since 2010–11. Ahead of the series, legendary cricketers Ricky Ponting and Stuart Broad named their combined Ashes XI of the 21st century.

Ponting and Broad, who have been part of memorable Ashes themselves, picked a team for Sky Sports, featuring the best from both nations across the modern era. The duo opted for Matthew Hayden and Alastair Cook as openers. Hayden’s ability to dominate bowling attacks made him a natural pick, while Cook’s historic 766-run performance in the 2010–11 Ashes strengthened his place.

At No. 3 came Ponting himself, one of the most successful captains, and having scored over 2,500 runs against England, the former placed him to anchor the innings. England’s all-time leading scorer Joe Root was slotted in at No. 4, followed by Australia's Steve Smith.

Pat Cummins named captain

The No. 6 role triggered debate between Andrew Flintoff and Ben Stokes, but Broad and Ponting unanimously leaned towards Stokes, the architect of the unforgettable Headingley 2019 miracle and now England’s captain heading into the upcoming series.

Behind the stumps, the duo went with Adam Gilchrist, who revolutionised the wicketkeeper-batter role. Spin duties were obviously handed to the late Shane Warne, who bowled memorable spells against the Three Lions 

The pace attack included Pat Cummins, also named captain of the XI, followed by Broad and legendary seamer Glenn McGrath. However, the biggest shock was James Anderson’s absence. With 704 Test wickets, Anderson’s omission raised eyebrows.

Meanwhile, England last won a Test in Australia in 2011, and the last time they visited, they suffered a 4-0 loss in 2021–22. On the other hand, Australia are without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the first Test. With Steve Smith captaining, questions remain over Australia’s new opening pair and their vulnerable top order.

Ricky Ponting, Stuart Broad's combined Ashes XI:

Matthew Hayden, Alastair Cook, Ricky Ponting, Joe Root, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Adam Gilchrist (WK), Shane Warne, Pat Cummins (C), Stuart Broad, Glenn McGrath