Former England cricketer Michael Atherton believes the recently concluded Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy between England and India did not match the ‘quality’ of the 2005 Ashes but was probably the best series since then.
While speaking to Sky Sports Cricket, Atherton said: “I don’t think the quality was as good as ’05. I don’t think I’ve seen a better series than the ’05 Ashes. It was a great team on the decline and the emerging team, absolutely great players at the top of their game. But it was probably the best series since ’05.”
“The 2023 Ashes was a fantastic Ashes, but I’ll put this series as the best series since ’05 because of those dramatic moments, like Woakes, and like Rishabh Pant. And the twists and turns of the series,” he added.
The 2005 Ashes in England is regarded as one of the greatest series in Test cricket history, where England regained the urn for the first time since 1986–87. England defeated Australia 2–1. The series was packed with brilliant performances from both sides.
Andrew Flintoff emerged as England’s stand-out performer, scoring 402 runs and picking up 24 wickets, while Shane Warne was outstanding for Australia, claiming 40 wickets. After England’s thrilling two-run win at Edgbaston, Flintoff consoled a valiant Brett Lee — a moment that became one of the most iconic images in cricket history.
The recent 2025 series between England and India was thrilling and full of iconic moments. India looked favourites in the first match after Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries, but England made a great comeback on Day Five to clinch victory. In the second match, India made a strong comeback after their captain, Shubman Gill, scored a double century in the first innings and another century in the second to take India to victory.
In the third match, a moment of misfortune for Mohammed Siraj sealed the win for England. India fought back in the last two days of the fourth Test to draw the match. In the fifth and final Test, Siraj produced magic on Day Five to take India to victory and level the series.
Though there were many iconic moments, Pant batting with a toe injury in the fourth Test and Chris Woakes coming out to bat with a dislocated shoulder in the last Test stand out the most.
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