The famous Test series Ashes 2025-2026 played between England and Australia is going on. In the second Test, which started on 4 December, England, batting first, were all out for 334 runs, Australia is in a good position. Australia also won the first match. Meanwhile, former England fast bowler James Anderson chose the all-time perfect playing eleven for the Ashes. Anderson did not choose former Australian captain Ricky Ponting as captain. Rather, he was included as a wicket keeper, which surprised everyone.
Who is the captain of all time Ashes XI?
43-year-old former cricketer James Anderson chose the all-time perfect playing eleven by including players from England and Australia. The fans were most surprised when in the end he chose Ricky Ponting as the wicket keeper, while he made Ben Stokes the captain.
TNT Sports asked James Anderson to select his all-time Ashes XI. Anderson first took the name of Donald Bradman, whose average was around 99. This was also surprising, because this great batsman never opened in his Test career. Bradman batted at number 3 in 40 matches, scoring 5078 runs. Anderson chose former England captain Alastair Cook as the second opener.
In case you missed it, here is @Jimmy9 explaining his selections in his All Time Ashes X1.
Make sure you’re sitting down.
This is hysterical. pic.twitter.com/zZLA7FSIza— The Oracle (@BigOtrivia) December 3, 2025
Ricky Ponting at number three
James Anderson chose Ricky Ponting at number three and Joe Root at number four. Anderson did not include Steve Smith, who is the third highest run-scorer in the Ashes, in his playing 11.
He placed Kevin Pietersen at number five. After Ian Botham, he included Ben Stokes, whom he later made the captain. He included the late Shane Warne in this team. After this he included Bob Wills, Glenn McGrath and Stuart Broad in the team.
After revealing his team, he made Stuart Broad the captain, but the interesting twist came at the end. He had forgotten to choose the wicket keeper, after which he said that he would like to give this role to Ricky Ponting. Let us tell you that in the 90s, Ponting kept wicket 4 times in club cricket, although he never kept wicket in professional cricket.
Anderson’s all-time Ashes XI
Donald Bradman, Alastair Cook, Ricky Ponting (wk), Joe Root, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Botham, Ben Stokes (c), Shane Warne, Bob Willis, Glenn McGrath and Stuart Broad.
