Ashes 2019: 5 notable player battles from the series 

On Sunday, 15th September at the Kennigton Oval in London, Joe Root dived to his left as he took a stunning catch to send back Josh Hazlewood which brought an end to a blissful summer that saw England and Australia play out one of the most enthralling Test series of all-time.

After five long gruelling Tests, nothing could separate the two giants as the series ended in a draw with both sides claiming two wins apiece. Courtesy of the series tied 2-2, Australia retained the Ashes owing to their 4-0 win Down Under in 2017.

The age-long rivalry between England and Australia is well known by the avid followers of the sport and the competition between the two countries often brings out the best in their respective players. Ashes 2019 was no different as the series gave rise to some pulsating on-field battles which had a key role in influencing the results of a few games.

Here are five such notable player battles from Ashes 2019.

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#5 Ben Stokes vs Nathon Lyon

Ben Stokes had a good series

Had it not been for Steve Smith, Ashes 2019 would've gone down as Ben Stokes' series simply because the English all-rounder produced remarkable performances all throughout the series. His match-winning knock of 135* at Headingley is undoubtedly one of the greatest Test innings ever played and it just added yet another feather to Stokes' cap.

The Englishman has enjoyed the summer of his life and it won't be wrong to say that his efforts in 2019 have made him a modern-day legend of English cricket. Throughout the course of the Ashes 2019, Ben Stokes relished facing the Australian bowlers and it was his battle against one specific bowler which made a lot of rounds amongst the ardent followers of the sport.

Ben Stokes and Nathan Lyon took on each other in what was an entertaining competition between two supreme cricketers. The brawny English all-rounder smashed Lyon all over the park in his marvellous innings at Headingley, one which saw Ben Stokes hit the off-spinner for a whole lot of runs.

Stokes particularly targeted Lyon at The Oval in the final Test as he scored 115-ball 67 before being castled by a superb delivery from the Australian spinner in the second innings. Lyon may have had the last laugh but it was Ben Stokes who dominated this battle, despite the veteran spinner mixing his line and length to trouble the southpaw.

Also see – World Test Championship Schedule

#4 Matthew Wade vs Jofra Archer

England v Australia - 5th Specsavers Ashes Test: Day Four

Matthew Wade, who was brought into the Australian side as a specialist batsman did decently well as he made 337 runs from 10 innings and finished as the third highest run-getter for his side. The dynamic left-hander essayed a majestic knock at The Oval as he led the Australian fightback against an exuberant English bowling attack. His century kept the visitors in the match but a target of 399 just seemed too much to chase.

Looking back at the recently concluded Ashes series, one of the most intimidating battles was between Jofra Archer and Matthew Wade. Teammates at the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, Archer and Wade showed no signs of respecting one another as the two collided in numerous intriguing battles on the field.

Avid followers of the series will agree to the fact that Archer turned out to be the winner from this clash as Wade seemingly struggled with Archer's fiery pace. Archer got him out twice in the series but the battle was certainly one to cherish.

#3 Joe Root vs Josh Hazlewood

Hazlewood made matters difficult for Root

England's best batsman versus Australia's most efficient bowler- the perfect title to explain Joe Root's onfield battle against Josh Hazlewood. Before Ashes 2019, Hazlewood had dismissed Root on four occasions and a fascinating clash was anticipated between the two, which was exactly what transpired.

The England captain was involved in a fierce battle with Hazlewood, who performed incredibly well this summer and was one of the star performers for the visitors. Even for a batsman with a calibre of Joe Root, the England skipper found playing out Hazlewood quite an arduous task.

Hazlewood dismissed Root thrice in the series and was appreciated by the critics for the way he bowled at the England batsmen. At the end of the contest, Hazlewood spoke highly of Joe Root and did agree with the fact that the two had an exciting battle on the field.

#2 Steve Smith vs Jofra Archer

England v Australia - 4th Specsavers Ashes Test: Day Two

Ashes 2019 will always be remembered for Steve Smith's marvellous exploits with the bat. The Australian ace broke numerous records in the series and at times looked unstoppable. His batting prowess made even the sternest of English supporters stand up to their feet simply because Smith was truly remarkable with the bat in hand.

It goes without saying that he dominated each and every English bowler who came against him as he scored a heap of runs to help Australia retain the Ashes. Upon Jofra Archer's inclusion in the side, avid fans of England cricket hoped that the pacer would nullify Smith's effect. However, it is fair to say that Jofra Archer was far from getting Smith's prized wicket.

Not once did the fast bowling sensation claim Steve Smith's wicket as the stylish right-hander notched up a whopping 774 runs in 4 matches. The battle between the duo commenced at Lord's where Archer struck Smith on the helmet and from that ball onwards, the battle between the duo was there to see.

Fans all around the globe anticipated an evenly matched competition between the two but such was Smith's form that even Archer's ferocious pace seemed pale in comparison to the former Australian skipper's determination and yet, Archer's never-say-die attitude kept the battle alive.

#1 Stuart Broad vs David Warner

England v Australia - 5th Specsavers Ashes Test: Day Four

Possibly the most lop-sided battle witnessed in the series, Stuart Broad's domination over David Warner throughout the five Test matches was one of the major talking points. The Englishman was on top of his mark all throughout the series and it's no secret that David Warner endured an extremely disappointing Ashes series with the bat.

Stuart Broad proved his worth as a world-class bowler from this series as he took charge of leading the pace attack in James Anderson's absence to lead England's bowling attack against a strong Australian side. Broad's devastating spells helped him have an upper hand over the left-handers in particular, with David Warner being the prime victim.

Stuart Broad dismissed David Warner on seven occasions in the Ashes 2019 series as the Australian opener looked completely baffled against England's spearhead. Warner scored a paltry amount of 95 runs in the series and was given no room by the England bowlers, particularly Broad, to make an impact at the top of the order.