Australia star does England dirty, names 'Combined Ashes XI' with ZERO English cricketers

Australia retained the Ashes with a 4-1 margin after defeating England in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Thursday, January 8. Following the series, former Australian cricketer Kerry O'Keeffe stirred debate by naming a Combined Ashes XI that did not include a single England player.

Australia were better than England throughout the series, winning key moments with the bat and ball. The 4-1 result reflected the gap between the two sides. England failed to play to their full ability, with quick runs or loose bowling not being enough. Australia showed patience and control and held their chances.

Kerry O'Keeffe Names Australia–England Combined Ashes XI

Kerry O'Keeffe sparked debate after naming a Combined Ashes XI that did not include a single England player. The selection was discussed on a panel alongside Michael Vaughan, and the team shown was dominated by Australian players.

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O'Keeffe defended his choices by saying he relied only on performance numbers and statistics. The commentator added that he did not try to balance the team between the two countries and simply picked what he believed was the best XI based on results, even though it shocked many viewers.

"I just looked at all the stats. That's the best team. I don't do combinations. I don't do amalgamations. Look at the failure rate — North Melbourne-Fitzroy... that worked!"

I'd say Skull was pretty fair with his combined Ashes XI. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/mW448HqkRm

— CODE Cricket (@codecricketau) January 8, 2026

Australia-England Combined Ashes XI:

Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, Scott Boland

Australia Clinch Series Despite Missing Key Players

Australia secured the series victory despite missing key players early on. The home team recorded a win in Perth, where Travis Head scored a century, and Mitchell Starc took 10 wickets to give the hosts an early lead. England struggled to match Australia’s intensity on a lively pitch.

The second Test at the Gabba was played under lights. Australia scored over 500 runs in the first innings despite not having a centurion. They then chased a small target of 65 runs in just 10 overs to move 2-0 ahead in the series.

Pat Cummins returned for the third Test in Adelaide, and Australia stayed in control. England fought back briefly, but Australia secured another win and wrapped up the series within 11 days.

England responded at the MCG after winning the toss on a bowling-friendly surface and claimed a consolation victory. The final Test at the SCG was closely fought and went to the last day, but Australia once again held their nerve to finish the series on top.

Mitchell Starc won the Player of the Series after leading Australia’s bowling attack. He finished with 31 wickets in five Tests at an average under 20. Whenever Australia needed a breakthrough, Starc delivered, including taking the final two England wickets in the last Test.

Also read: "Sold a lie for 3 years": Geoffrey Boycott levels shocking accusations against Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum