9. Ricky Ponting:
The 2005 Ashes series was one of the best Test series ever played. After a nail biting the second Test, where England defeated Australia by 2 runs, the third Test served up another tense finish. After being set 423 to win, Ponting waged a lone battle to salvage a draw for the visitors. Batting almost throughout the final day, the former Australian skipper made a gallant 156. He was the ninth Australian wicket to fall with still four overs to left but the last pair – Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath – made sure his efforts weren’t wasted.