Ashes 2005: Top five performers

5. Justin Langer hits the right note (394 runs)

Veteran Aussie opener Justin Langer was one of the few batsmen to emerge from the tour with his reputation intact, finishing as the highest run-getter for his side as they surrendered the urn that had been in their possession for sixteen years.

The then-35 year old left-hander was the only one to pass 40 in Australia’s first innings at Lord’s – the same match where Ponting was left bleeding by Harmison’s brute of a delivery. Langer, too, had been at the receiving end of the Durham pacer’s furious bouncers; one struck him painfully on the elbow. He was also tested by Ashes debutant Andrew Flintoff – the burly all-rounder took his wicket in his first over, making it a memorable start to his own Ashes career.

The southpaw drew on all his years of playing experience in order to frustrate the opposition in the now-famous second Test at Edgbaston, unleashing the powerful square cuts, pulls and booming drives that characterized his batting.

For all his talent, however, he fell victim to the large amount of reverse-swing generated by Simon Jones. In the second innings, Flintoff once again caused his downfall, bowling what was later described as the ‘over of the series’, as England leveled the series.

Langer scored a century in the final Test, singling out left-arm spinner Ashley Giles for special treatment as he unleashed some blistering drives in his 105-run knock, though England escaped with a draw to secure the Ashes.

Nevertheless, the Western Australia batsman was able to finish his career on a high, as Australia reclaimed their prize in the return series.