As the 2025-26 Ashes series concludes with Australia retaining the urn and holding a commanding 3-1 lead heading into the fifth Test, BBC Sport has launched an interactive fan engagement initiative. The platform is inviting cricket enthusiasts worldwide to select their ultimate combined team from standout English and Australian performers throughout the historic contest.
The selection process is structured across four distinct categories, requiring participants to strategically assemble their dream XI. Voters must choose two openers from options including Australia’s Travis Head, who leads with 437 runs at an average of 54.62 including two centuries, and England’s Zak Crawley (272 runs at 30.22). The middle order selection presents compelling choices between veteran excellence and emerging talent, featuring England’s Joe Root (306 runs at 43.71 with one century), Harry Brook (310 runs at 44.28), and all-rounder Ben Stokes (183 runs and 13 wickets at 21.69), alongside Australian mainstays Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
The wicketkeeper position offers a clear statistical contrast between Australia’s Alex Carey, who has amassed 291 runs at 48.50 with 25 dismissals, and England’s Jamie Smith with 139 runs and 13 dismissals. The bowling department showcases exceptional depth with Mitchell Starc’s series-leading 27 wickets at 18.74 average, complemented by supporting pace from Scott Boland (17 wickets) and England’s Josh Tongue (12 wickets at 18.58). The selection also includes injury-affected stars like Pat Cummins and Mark Wood, who had limited participation.
The finalized fan selections will be revealed across BBC Sport’s digital platforms, featured on The Ashes Debrief program, and discussed in-depth on the Test Match Special podcast as part of the comprehensive series post-analysis.