The Ashes: Top 5 Moments of the 21st Century

The Ashes, a sports rivalry like no other, is underway in Australia and has already had audiences around the world hooked. In recent history, England and Australia have produced unforgettable chapters that shaped the direction of the sport. Here are the Top 5 Ashes Moments of the 21st Century as we get ourselves in The Ashes mood this Christmas. 

1. The Edgbaston Thriller, 2005

The 2005 Edgbaston Test remains one of the greatest test matches ever played. England, desperate to level the series, fought tooth and nail to defend a small fourth-innings target. What followed was a gripping finale where Australia inched closer with Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz defying the odds only for England to clinch it by just 2 runs, the narrowest Ashes Test margin in history. The post-match image of Andrew Flintoff consoling Brett Lee became an iconic symbol of sportsmanship. This wasn’t just a win; it was the moment the 2005 Ashes series truly ignited.

2. Kevin Pietersen’s Oval Masterpiece, 2005

Another one from the iconic 2005 Ashes tour, under enormous pressure and playing his debut Ashes series, Kevin Pietersen delivered one of the most important innings in modern English cricket. His 158 at The Oval didn’t just rescue England from danger, it sealed their first Ashes series win since 1986–87, nearly 2 decades. Australia threw everything at him, from pace to spin, but Pietersen counterattacked with flair and confidence that is rarely seen from a newcomer. His innings shifted England from anxiety to celebration, signalling the arrival of a generational talent. The knock remains a defining moment of both the 2005 series and KP’s career.

3. Shane Warne’s 700th Wicket, MCG 2006

Few cricketing milestones have carried the emotional weight of Shane Warne’s 700th Test wicket, achieved on Boxing Day 2006 at the MCG. In front of nearly 90,000 adoring fans, Warne produced a vintage delivery, sharp turn, and a perfect drift to bowl Andrew Strauss through the gate. The stadium erupted, knowing they had witnessed history from a once-in-a-generation genius playing his final Ashes series. Warne went on to take five wickets that day, but it was wicket No. 700 that felt bigger than the match itself. It was a celebration of mastery, legacy, and Australia’s greatest showman at his home theatre.

4. Ben Stokes’ Miracle at Headingley, 2019

Few Ashes innings, or innings in cricket, period, can rival Ben Stokes’ astonishing 135 not out at Headingley. Chasing 359, England collapsed early before Stokes launched one of sport’s most improbable comebacks. He farmed the strike brilliantly with Jack Leach, smashed the Australian attack to all parts, and kept the Ashes alive with a chase that felt impossible until the winning runs were hit. The roar at Leeds became an instant cultural moment. Stokes didn’t just win a Test; he redefined what pressure performance means. It remains a benchmark for modern Ashes heroics and is one of the knocks that will cement Ben Stokes as a modern cricket great.

5. Alastair Cook’s Ashes Domination, 2010-11

Alastair Cook produced a once-in-a-lifetime series during England’s historic 2010-11 win in Australia. Over five Tests, he accumulated a staggering 766 runs, wearing down the Australian bowlers with unwavering discipline, shot selection, and concentration. His marathon knocks in Brisbane and Sydney turned the tide in England’s favour and set the platform for their first Ashes win Down Under in 24 years. Cook’s batting was at its classical best – clinical, relentless, and emblematic of his career. For many fans, this remains the gold standard of an English batting performance in the Ashes.

Special Mention: Stuart Broad’s 8/15, Trent Bridge 2015

As a Nottingham-based business, we couldn’t overlook Stuart Broad’s legendary 8/15 at Trent Bridge, one of the most devastating Ashes spells ever bowled. With Jimmy Anderson injured, Broad stepped up and dismantled Australia for just 60 all out within 94 surreal minutes. Every ball seemed to find an edge, every over felt like theatre, and the home crowd lived every wicket with him. This spell didn’t just swing the 2015 series; it became a defining moment of Broad’s career and cemented Trent Bridge as a fortress of English cricketing history.

BatFast x HiTZ: Making Ashes-Level Training Accessible to Everyone.

Moments like these inspire millions, but until recently, training environments that shaped modern Ashes heroes were available only to elite players. BatFast, together with HiTZ (supported by England star Harry Brook), is changing the game by making elite-level training facilities accessible and affordable for all.

We now operate 10+ venues across England, offering cricket experiences that are weatherproof, automated, coach-free, and match-realistic. In January 2026, we’re bringing this experience to Melbourne, making world-class cricket training accessible across both Ashes nations.

Whether you’re a beginner, a club player, or returning to the game, BatFast allows you to train with purpose, anytime, anywhere.

FAQs

1. What makes The Ashes one of cricket’s greatest rivalries?

The Ashes is a historic Test series between England and Australia, famous for its drama, tradition, and era-defining moments. From last-ball hundreds to miracle run chases, The Ashes consistently produces cricket’s most unforgettable performances, inspiring fans and players around the world.

2. What are the top Ashes moments of the 21st century?

Standout moments include the 2005 Edgbaston thriller, Kevin Pietersen’s Oval 158, Shane Warne’s 700th Test Wicket at MCG, Steve Waugh’s last-ball century, Ben Stokes’ Headingley miracle in 2019, and Alastair Cook’s 766-run domination in 2010-11.

3. Can everyday players train like Ashes cricketers today?

Yes, far more than ever before. BatFast Cricket Simulators replicate real bowling speeds, swing, line, and match scenarios, allowing anyone to train like their Ashes heroes. Together with HiTZ Cricket, BatFast is bringing elite-level cricket training to 10+ venues across England and launching in Melbourne in January 2026.

4. Where can I try BatFast Cricket Simulators?

BatFast x Hitz venues operate across England, including London, Bristol, Leeds, Surrey, Guildford, Birmingham, and more. The experience expands to Australia with the Melbourne launch in Week 1, January 2026.