The Ashes 2025-26 going to be in AustraliaAnd fans around the world are eagerly waiting for this iconic rivalry to resume. Before this high-voltage series England captain michael vaughn and great Australian fast bowler glen mcgrath Australia have revealed their combined Ashes XI, which includes a mix of top players from both countries.
The duo selected five Englishmen and six Australian players in their combined team, creating a well-balanced lineup full of power hitters, all-rounders and world-class bowlers. However, what caught everyone’s attention was the absence of England’s star batsman Joe Root, a decision that has already sparked debate among fans and experts.
solid opener
Both Vaughan and McGrath chose England jack crawley And ben duckett As an opener for their combined Ashes XI. Known for his aggressive stroke play and fearless approach, Crawley has impressed with his recent performances against top-class bowling attacks. Duckett, on the other hand, has been performing consistently at the top, providing stability to England’s batting lineup.
His inclusion highlights the depth of England’s modern batting revolution under the buzzball approach. The duo’s ability to play the new ball aggressively makes them perfect for the tough Australian conditions.
dynamic middle order
There is a strong mix of temperament, experience and flexibility in the middle order. Vaughan and McGrath chose cameron green, steve smithharry brooks,ben stokesAnd jamie smith To strengthen the heart of the batting lineup.
Australian sensation Green brings balance to the team with his all-round abilities, while Smith, one of the greatest Test batsmen of the modern era, provides the class and consistency needed in big matches.
Young English batsman Brook has made a place in the eleven after his rapid rise in Test cricket, demonstrating his ability to dominate even the best bowling attacks. England’s inspirational captain Stokes adds aggression, leadership and match-winning ability, while Jamie, who is highly rated for his wicket-keeping and batting skills, is in the middle order.
no room for joe root
One of the most talked about decisions in Vaughan and McGrath’s combined Ashes XI has been who not to select Joe RootWho has been England’s most reliable Test batsman for more than a decade. Explaining his reasoning, McGrath said that Root’s record is exceptional overall, but he has struggled to make a big impact in Australian conditions.
“I picked Smith over Root. Root has never really scored big in Australia,” McGrath said on Test Match Special Podcast
Vaughan echoed McGrath’s views and pointed to the dominance shown by Smith on home soil. Vaughan said Smith has a staggering average of almost 60 in Australia with 18 centuries, which is in stark contrast to Root’s average of 36.
“I’m looking at Steve Smith averaging 60 with 18 centuries in Australia and Joe Root averaging 36. Root is going to break Sachin Tendulkar’s Test run-scoring record and is England’s best cricketer with the bat, but I can’t see ahead of Steve Smith.” Vaughn explained.
bowling powerhouse
Australian players dominate the bowling lineup Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh HazlewoodAnd nathan lyon To make a fatal attack. This combination has been the backbone of Australia over the past decade, capable of demolishing any batting line-up with pace, accuracy and spin.
Vaughan and McGrath’s combined Ashes XI
Jack Crawley (England), Ben Duckett (England), Cameron Green (Australia), Steve Smith (Australia), Harry Brook (England), Ben Stokes (England), Jamie Smith (England), Pat Cummins (Australia), Nathan Lyon (Australia), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Josh Hazlewood (Australia).
Also read: Australia or England? David Warner predicts the scoreline of Ashes 2025-26
