Iceland Cricket selects all-time combined Ashes XI, picks Ricky Ponting and Ben Stokes as drinks waiters

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The legendary Ashes rivalry is ready to ignite once again as the 2025–26 series kicks off on November 21 in Perth. With the opening Test just days away, excitement is surging among fans across both Australia and England, who are eager to witness another gripping chapter of the oldest rivalry in Test cricket. From Don Bradman to Ian Botham, from Shane Warne to Ben Stokes, the Ashes has produced some of cricket’s greatest icons and most unforgettable moments.

Over more than a century, the contest has shaped careers, rewritten record books, and given world cricket some of its fiercest battles. The upcoming series is expected to be no different, with both teams eyeing a strong start at the Optus Stadium as the cricketing world gears up for another blockbuster summer.

In the build-up to the highly anticipated series, Iceland Cricket—known for their unique humour and insightful takes—have released their all-time combined Ashes XI. The lineup, posted on social media, features a near-unbeatable combination of iconic performers who dominated the Ashes across different eras.

The chosen XI begins with Matthew Hayden and Sir Len Hutton—two of the most prolific openers in Test history. Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest batter of all time, slots in at No. 3, followed by Ken Barrington at No. 4. The middle-order is strengthened further by former Australian captain Steve Waugh, who has been appointed skipper of the combined side.

The all-rounder’s role goes to England great Sir Ian Botham, whose Ashes heroics, particularly in 1981, remain legendary. Adam Gilchrist dons the wicketkeeping gloves, bringing explosive batting and unmatched glovework to the side.

In the bowling attack, Iceland Cricket opted for a dream quartet: leg-spin wizard Shane Warne, tearaway quick Dennis Lillee, swing master Glenn McGrath, and early-20th century genius Sydney Barnes. Together, they form a bowling lineup capable of dismantling any batting order in any era.

Also READ: Not Jofra Archer! Ian Botham picks England’s secret weapon for the Ashes 2025-26 in Australia

In a humorous addition that sparked lively reactions online, Iceland Cricket named three cricketing giants—Ricky Ponting, Ben Stokes, and David Gower—as ‘drinks waiters’ for the all-time XI.

Ponting, one of the most successful captains in cricket history and the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history with 2,476 runs, would normally walk into any all-time XI. His tactical sharpness and dominant batting were pivotal in Australia’s Ashes dominance during the 2000s. Stokes, meanwhile, produced one of the most iconic Ashes innings ever with his unbeaten 135 at Headingley in 2019, a performance etched permanently into cricketing folklore.

Gower, elegant and stylish, scored over 1,400 Ashes runs and captained England during the fiercely competitive 1985 series. His inclusion as a ‘drinks waiter’ adds to the light-hearted tone of the list, showcasing Iceland Cricket’s trademark blend of cricket knowledge and humour.

Also READ: ‘Reminds me of Sachin’: Greg Chappell picks current England batter to watch in Ashes 2025-26 vs Australia