10 Most Fiery Moments in Ashes History
Controversial Ashes
The 2025-26 Ashes is underway, marking the 74th edition of the intense cricket rivalry between England and Australia. This deep-seated competition is famous for its controversial history, which includes heated flashpoints like Dennis Lillee's use of an aluminum bat and the infamous Bodyline series.
Moeen Ali Racism Allegations
After the 2014 Ashes, English all-rounder Moeen Ali alleged that an unnamed Australian player called him 'Osama' on the field. This incident became a major focal point for discussions about racism and sledging in cricket, with a later investigation by Cricket Australia failing to substantiate the claims due to a lack of evidence.
Stuart Broad 'Not Walking'
Former England pacer Stuart Broad landed himself in controversy, after his 'not walking' gesture during the 2013 Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, despite having clearly edged a ball to first slip while batting. As the umpire failed to give him out, Broad stood his ground despite the edge, and the Three Lions went on to win the match.
Tim Paine Texting Scandal
Tim Paine’s tenure as Australian Test captain ended abruptly in 2021, following the revelation of a s*xting scandal involving a Cricket Tasmania employee. Despite being cleared internally at the time, the public disclosure led Paine to resign from the captaincy weeks before the 2021-22 Ashes, causing a major leadership crisis.
Ben Stokes Headingley Miracle
The 2019 Ashes Test at Leeds witnessed one of cricket's most iconic comebacks, often dubbed the 'Headingley Miracle', thanks to an unbeaten innings from Ben Stokes. Chasing a target of 359, Stokes scored 135 runs while batting with the last man, Jack Leach, to secure a dramatic one-wicket victory and level the series.
Mitchell Johnson Sledging James Anderson
The rivalry between Mitchell Johnson and James Anderson featured intense sledging, notably during the 2010-11 Ashes in Australia. During the Perth Test, with Johnson batting on the crease, he challenged Anderson by saying, 'Why are you chirping now mate, can't get a wicket?', while Anderson responded by making a 'shush' gesture.
Ricky Ponting Run-Out by Gary Pratt
Legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting was infamously run-out by substitute fielder Gary Pratt during the pivotal 2005 Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. After being dismissed by Pratt's direct hit, an enraged Ponting vented his fury toward the English dressing room and Duncan Fletcher, for the Three Lions' use of a specialist substitute fielder.
Michael Clarke 'Broken Arm' Threat
During the 2013-14 Ashes in Australia, fast bowler Mitchell Johnson was bowling fierce deliveries at James Anderson in Gabba, following which Aussie skipper Michael Clarke was caught on the stump mic threatening the Englishman. He told Anderson to 'Get ready for a broken f**king arm', an aggressive sledge that earned him a hefty fine.
Dennis Lillee's Aluminium Bat
Australian great Dennis Lillee came out to bat using a metal alloy bat manufactured by his sponsor during the 1979-80 Ashes, which he insisted was legal. After the England captain objected that the bat was damaging the ball, Lillee was eventually forced to swap the bat for a traditional wooden one by the umpires.
Jonny Bairstow Stumping Row
In one of the most controversial moments in Ashes history, Jonny Bairstow was dismissed in a bizarre manner during the second 2023 Ashes Test at Lord's. Australian keeper Alex Carey executed an underarm flick to stump the Englishman, who had walked out of his crease assuming the umpire had called an end to the over.
Bodyline Series
The infamous Bodyline series of 1932-33 is the most controversial moment in Ashes history. The England team, led by captain Douglas Jardine, employed a controversial fast-bowling strategy against Australia, primarily targeting the bodies of ace batsmen like Don Bradman with short-balls and packed leg-side fieldsmen.
