The Big O’s 15-1: 15 Unforgettable Ashes moments since 1970

From Terry Alderman’s crash tackle to Gilly’s WACA blaster and the ball of the century. The BIG O picks the biggest Ashes incidents since 1970.

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15. CRASH TACKLE: Terry Alderman tackled a pitch invader in the first Test of 1982-83, dislocating his shoulder.

14. CENTURY IN A SESSION: In 1974-75, Dougie Walters hooked Bob Willis for six off the final ball of the day for a remarkable Perth ton.

13. No.11 MAKES 98: Australia were 9-117 at Trent Bridge in 2013 when teen Ashton Agar joined Phil Hughes for a record 163 stand, the tailender blasting 98 off 101 balls.

Terry Alderman grimaces in agony after he dislocated his shoulder when he chased a pitch invader (held by Graeme Wood) who slapped him in 1982. Cricket / Injured Player Historical

12. ONE PERFECT DAY: Steve Waugh could not have written a better script, scoring a brilliant century at the SCG in 2003, hitting a boundary off the final ball.

11. SMITH’S RETURN: Steve Smith put on a masterclass during the 2019 first Test, scoring 142 and 144 to rescue Australia in both innings.

10. LILLEE, LILLEE, LILLEE: DK Lillee produced his greatest Test performance in the 1977 Centenary Test at the MCG, taking 11 wickets as Australia won by 45 runs.

9. GILLY GOES BERSERK: Adam Gilchrist lit up the WACA during 2006-07 with 102 off 59 balls.

Steve Waugh raises his bat after scoring a century at the Oval. Picture: Brett Costello

8. LEE/KASPA SO CLOSE: If DRS was around in 2005, we would not be talking about this heartbreaker — a final-wicket Brett Lee-Michael Kasprowicz stand at Edgbaston fell three runs short of victory.

7. ENGLAND WALK-OFF: Ray Illingworth led his side off the SCG in 1971 after John Snow was assaulted by a drunken spectator.

6. BALL OF THE CENTURY: As Richie Benaud said in commentary, Mike Gatting had absolutely no idea what just happened. It was 1993 and Shane Warne’s first Ashes delivery.

5. HEARTBREAK AT THE G: With Australia 9-218 and needing 73 more runs to win, Jeff Thomson joined Allan Border at the crease on Boxing Day 1982 at the MCG. England prevailed by three runs.

Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey celebrate after victory in Adelaide. .

4. AMAZING ADELAIDE: This 2006 Test was headed for a dreary draw until England lost 9-60 on the final day. Australia chased down 168.

3. GREATEST ASHES DEBUT: The Lord’s Test of 1972 will always be remembered for Bob Massie — he took 16 wickets on Test debut.

2. MIRACLE AT HEADINGLEY: The bookies had England at 500/1 to win this 1981 Test. Then Ian Botham blazed 149 and Australia couldn’t chase 130.

1. ANOTHER HEADINGLEY MIRACLE: Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 135 is still so raw. The last few overs had everything: dropped catches, a missed run out, ordinary captaincy and poor umpiring.

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