James Anderson picks combined all-time Ashes XI ahead of AUS vs ENG 2025 2nd Test; picks Ricky Ponting as wicket-keeper

Former England pacer James Anderson picked his all-time combined Ashes XI ahead of the crucial second Test of the ongoing series in Brisbane, starting December 3 (via TNT Sports Instagram handle). The legendary seamer picked Sir Donald Bradman and Alastair Cook as his two openers.

The former is the all-time leading run-scorer in Ashes history with 5,028 runs at an average of almost 90, including 19 centuries. Meanwhile, Cook helped England win their lone Ashes series in Australia this century with 766 runs.

Anderson went with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting at No.3, with the champion batter amassing almost 2,500 Ashes runs at an average of over 44. Next on the list was former teammate Joe Root, who is currently on 2,436 runs in the Ashes at an average of almost 40 with four tons.

Another former English teammate, Kevin Pietersen, came in at No. 5, having played a massive role in the side's famous 2005 Ashes series victory at home. Anderson went for two England all-rounders, Ian Botham and Ben Stokes, at No. 6 and 7.

The former scored almost 1,500 runs and picked up 128 wickets in his Ashes career. On the other hand, Stokes has amassed over 1,500 runs and picked up 46 wickets in his 25-match Ashes career.

James Anderson picks two Australians in his all-time Ashes bowling attack

James Anderson picked former Australian leggie Shane Warne as the lone specialist spinner in his all-time Ashes 11. Warne is the all-time leading wicket-taker in Ashes history with 195 scalps in 36 outings.

Anderson went for former England speedster Bob Willis as one of three pacers in the side. Willis finished with 123 wickets in 31 Ashes games, including seven 5-wicket hauls.

Glenn McGrath came in at No. 10, thanks to his sensational Ashes record with 157 wickets at an average of 20.92 in 30 matches. Finally, Anderson picked his good friend, Stuart Broad, at No. 11, with the latter boasting an excellent Ashes record of 153 wickets in 40 games.

While choosing Ben Stokes as the captain of his all-time Ashes side, Anderson made a surprising pick of Ponting as the wicket-keeper, having not picked a specialist gloveman in his 11.

James Anderson's all-time combined Ashes 11

Sir Donald Bradman, Alastair Cook, Ricky Ponting (wk), Joe Root, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Botham, Ben Stokes (c), Shane Warne, Bob Willis, Glenn McGrath, Stuart Broad