A definitive ranking of the finest cricketers to have graced the Ashes arena is set to be unveiled this week. The list, comprising 100 players, is the result of a comprehensive project involving a diverse panel of 51 experts from the worlds of sport, media, and history.
The judges, including former internationals, respected coaches, celebrated writers, and renowned broadcasters, were tasked with a formidable challenge: to select and rank their 50 greatest Ashes performers. They were provided with a framework to ensure historical balance, requiring selections from different eras and a minimum representation from both England and Australia.
The methodology was straightforward yet demanding. Each judge ranked their chosen 50 players, with points awarded from 50 for a first-place vote down to one for fiftieth. The cumulative scores determined the final order, with tie-breaking procedures in place. The panel considered the entirety of the Test rivalry between the two nations, not solely matches officially designated as the Ashes series.
Over the coming days, the countdown will be published in stages, building towards the revelation of the top ten. The final publication will include the complete list, detailed voting breakdowns, and select all-time XIs chosen by the panel.
This project acknowledges the subjective nature of such an endeavour. Countless variations of a top 100 are possible, shaped by personal perspective and cricketing philosophy. This particular list represents the collective wisdom of its distinguished panel, offering a unique snapshot of greatness in cricket’s oldest and most storied contest.