Christopher Lane's Ashes Top Ten

To complement our series on Ashes Heroes, we have been asking guest writers to name their Ashes Top Ten. After Ivo Tenannt, this week it is Christopher Lane, managing director of Wisden, who has been publisher of the little yellow Almanack for the past 20 years.

Christopher writes:

Frederick Spofforth Took 14 wickets in the 1882 match which led to the mock obituary that resulted in the Ashes. Also 10 wickets in a match v England on three other occasions.

Warwick Armstrong Played in nine Ashes series between 1901-02 and 1921, despite the intervening War. Led Australia to 5-0 whitewash victory in 1920-21, scoring three centuries in the series (and six for 76 in second Test)

Jack Hobbs 12 Ashes centuries - more than anyone else apart from Bradman. Ditto number of runs - 3,636 @ 54.26

Harold Larwood The star of the Bodyline legend

Don Bradman Nothing need be said

Jim Laker Managed to perform the most remarkable individual feat in the history of cricket in an Ashes Test, taking 19 wickets in the Old Trafford Test in 1956.

Ian Botham England's greatest-ever Ashes performer

Allan Border 3,548 runs v England @ 56.31. Was the force behind Australia's 1989 Ashes resurrection and continued to build them through two further series wins.

Steve Waugh Played in nine successive Ashes series, winning the last eight. Scored 3,200 runs v England @ 58.18, and 10 centuries (most for Australia other than Bradman)

Shane Warne 195 Ashes wickets (28 more than anyone else). His first ball in the Ashes was arguably the greatest delivery ever. Dominated and won numerous matches through his genius and sheer force of personality.

I'm disappointed to leave out Dennis Lillee. It was close between him and Armstrong.