🏏 Pick Your Ultimate Ashes 2025 XI: Head, Stokes, Starc?

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Travis Head: 437 runs, ave 60.28 leads openers in 8 Ashes inns
2🏆 Australia retains Ashes 3-1; pick from Head, Stokes, Starc for combined XI
3💡 Categories: Openers, middle-order, keeper, bowlers – stats guide your vote
4🔮 Results on BBC Debrief/TMS post-fifth Test; shapes 2027 Ashes hype
5💬 'Who makes your combined team of the series?' – BBC Sport poll

"Australia have retained the Ashes, but who makes your combined team of the series? "

Australia clinched the 2025 Ashes with a 3-1 lead heading into the fifth Test, but fans are buzzing over the dream combined XI from both sides' stellar performers. BBC Sport challenges you to select from openers like explosive Travis Head (437 runs, ave 60.28 in 8 inns), middle-order dynamos Ben Stokes and Harry Brook, keeper options, and pace aces Mitchell Starc. Stats up to January 4, 2026, fuel the debate on this iconic series' best XI.

The series showcased Australia's retention of the urn amid England's Bazball resilience, with Head's consistency and Stokes' all-round heroics defining battles. From Perth pairs to Sydney stands, players like Starc (wickets haul) impressed across five Tests, blending grit and flair in a trans-Tasman rivalry renewed.

Stars Align: Top Openers and Middle-Order Picks

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Travis Head dominates with 437 runs (ave 60.28, 8 inns), outshining Jake Weatherald (146 runs, ave 20.85). Middle-order features Stokes' captaincy cameos alongside Brook's aggressive fifties; all-round balance tilts towards multi-faceted talents. Historical Ashes XIs often prized Head-like aggressors, akin to 2005's Ponting-Pietersen clashes, making these stats pivotal for fan votes.

Pace vs Spin: Bowling Battle Royale

Starc's swing terror complements Australia's seam attack, while England's spinners add variety. With Australia leading 3-1, this XI poll highlights series MVPs, influencing narratives for 2027 Ashes prep and IPL trades. Compared to 2019's combined sides, 2025's depth favors Aussie firepower.

"Do Travis Head, Ben Stokes and Mitchell Starc make your XI?" – BBC Sport

Fan Verdict Drops Post-Sydney Test

Results reveal on BBC's Ashes Debrief and TMS podcast – will your picks sway opinions? As fifth Test unfolds, this interactive XI captures why Ashes endures: blending stats, drama, and dreams for future rivalries.