The 2025-26 Ashes is almost here \u2014 and our countdown of the rivalry\u2019s greatest 25 moments of the 21st century is underway.<\/p>\n
The countdown began this week with Australian aggression, acts of bravery and a row over the spirit of cricket.<\/p>\n
Now, it continues with first ball shockers, an iconic image and a victory that came from nowhere.<\/p>\n
Our countdown consists of the top 25 moments since 2000.<\/p>\n
Crucially, this means performances on this list are not ranked against each other based on their difficulty, but rather for how strongly they burn in the memory.<\/p>\n
In fact, many spots on the countdown aren\u2019t actually performances at all, but are moments that are otherwise iconic due to their natures.<\/p>\n
Foxsports.com.au unveils its top 15-6 moments in Ashes cricket over the last 25 years.<\/p>\n
15. RYAN HARRIS BOWLS ALASTAIR COOK FIRST BALL \u2014 Perth 2013\/14<\/strong><\/p>\n In a year already dripping with iconic Ashes moments, few encapsulated Australia\u2019s dominance under Michael Clarke quite like Ryan Harris\u2019 first ball of England\u2019s second innings in the third Test at Perth. With England 2-nil down and set 504 to win, their confidence was already shot. They needed not just a world-record chase, but a genuine miracle on a WACA pitch showing widening cracks and imminent deterioration. Australia\u2019s own second innings had finished with an Ashes moment brutally unlucky not to make this list \u2014 George Bailey taking James Anderson for 28 runs in an over, which equalled the world record at the time. With nothing left to lose, England captain Alastair Cook and opener Michael Carberry walked to the crease, as Harris stood tall at the top of his mark. His opening delivery was perfection: a perfect seam position, angling in at middle and leg stump before nipping away just enough to beat Cook\u2019s bat and clip the top of the left-hander\u2019s off stump. \u201cOHHHHHH, STRAIGHT AWAY!\u201d cried commentator James Brayshaw \u2014 a line that still rings in the ears of anyone who watches the replay a dozen years on. The Australians converged from all corners of the ground to mob an ecstatic Harris. In a summer remembered for Mitchell Johnson\u2019s carnage, Harris\u2019 first-ball strike remains one of the purest exclamation points of Australia\u2019s eventual 5-nil clean sweep.<\/p>\n 14. STEVE HARMISON WIDE FIRST BALL OF THE ASHES \u2014 Brisbane 2006\/07<\/strong><\/p>\n If ever a ball summed up an entire Ashes campaign, this was it. Few, if any openings to a Test series have carried the same level of disbelief as Steve Harmison\u2019s first ball of the 2006\/07 Ashes in Brisbane. Fresh off his country\u2019s epic Ashes victory only 14 months prior, morale in the England camp was as high as it had been for a long, long time coming to Australia. The home side won the toss and elected to bat on a flat Gabba wicket, with Justin Langer standing at the striker\u2019s end as the Gabba crowd buzzed at the prospect of a series even half as exhilarating as last winter. What followed though, immediately became the stuff of legend \u2014 for all the wrong reasons. His first delivery of the series was a ball so far off target, that it found itself to Freddie Flintoff at second (!) slip. The mind-blowing error set the tone for what would be a brutal start for England, with Australia asserting dominance in all departments that innings to pile of 9\/602 declared \u2014 going on to win the test by 277 runs, and the series 5-nil.<\/p>\n 13. STUART BROAD\u2019S 8\/15 THAT LEFT AUSTRALIA ALL OUT FOR JUST 60 \u2014 Trent Bridge 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n Far from the proudest Australian moment on this list, but credit has to be paid where due. This particular spell of bowling from Stuart Broad was up there with not only the best that Ashes cricket has ever seen, but the Test format as a whole. With Australia down 2-1 heading into the all-important fourth Test in Nottingham, the visitors were sent in on a \u2018green monster\u2019 by captain England captain Alastair Cook. The formidable duo of Chris Rogers and David Warner strode to the crease, with the former having never registered a duck in his first 23 Tests but that record evaporated quickly. Just as soon as the Australian batters arrived at the crease, they were trudging off. Mitchell Johnson (13) and captain Michael Clarke (10) were the only Australian batters to reach double figures. Extras top scored with 14 in an embarrassing display that somehow could have been worse at 7\/33. Broad took five of the first six wickets, needing only 19 balls, an equal Test record at the time to register a five-wicket haul. He then took the last three wickets to finish the job. Australia were bowled out before lunch on day one in just 18.3 overs. \u201cThey\u2019ve (Australia) been pathetic,\u201d former England captain Michael Vaughan said on commentary after Broad\u2019s fifth wicket, when Clarke was caught at first slip, edging a rash cover drive. The visitors lost the Test by an innings and 78 runs, and surrendered the Ashes in a series that finished 3-2.<\/p>\n 12. ADAM GILCHRIST 57-BALL HUNDRED \u2014 Perth 2006\/07<\/strong><\/p>\n No one has come close to scoring an Ashes century as quickly as Adam Gilchrist did in the third Test in Perth. Walking to the crease on a scorching 38 degree afternoon at the WACA, the legendary wicketkeeper batter put England to the sword with a blistering knock that almost matched the then world record for the fastest ever Test hundred. Coming off a lean patch with the bat, which included a duck in Brisbane and another in the first innings in Perth, Gilchrist turned his form around by smashing 12 fours and four sixes in an unforgettable knock. The dashing left-hander launched three of those sixes over the long on fence from the bowling of left arm spinner Monty Panesar. The English were left with sore necks from watching the fireworks show as Gilchrist plundered 24 runs from one Panesar over. As the crowd ducked for cover, word quickly spread around the WACA that Gilchrist was a chance to break Viv Richards\u2019 then record of 56 balls for the fastest Test century \u2013 Brendon McCullum holds the current record of 54 balls. Matthew Hoggard played the role of party pooper in the end, bowling a delivery wide of off stump that would have been a called a wide in white-ball cricket, but was marked down as a dot ball when Gilchrist had a chance to go for the West Indian master blaster\u2019s record. He got to his century in the end with a two down the ground off Steve Harmison bringing up the milestone. It would prove to be his last century in Test cricket, but arguably his most memorable. Gilchrist later revealed he had been contemplating retirement before that innings, and that decision was shelved for a little more than a year. Skipper Ricky Ponting declared with Gilchrist 102 not out, Michael Clarke unbeaten on 135 at the other end and Australia boasting a 556-run lead. Victory was sealed by 206 runs, and the Ashes regained after the disappointment of 2005.<\/p>\n 11. STUART BROAD DOESN\u2019T WALK AFTER EDGING TO FIRST SLIP \u2014 Trent Bridge 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n It was the outside edge that cemented a nation\u2019s distaste for one of the Ashes greatest villains. Stuart Broad edged an attempted cut off an Ashton Agar delivery to Australian captain Michael Clarke at first slip, and after initially celebrating, horror came across the Australians faces. Broad refused to go anywhere, and umpire Aleem Dar stood still, not putting his finger up. It was a head-scratching decision that would rarely be seen at club level, even if the doubt may have been created by the ball flicking Brad Haddin\u2019s gloves on the way though, but with Australia\u2019s two reviews burned, they had to cop it.<\/p>\n \u201cWho was the umpire?\u201d Travis Head, who was playing club cricket in England at the time, asked when watching the footage in Brisbane in September. \u201cWhat a moment. It is still talked about isn\u2019t it? It is a crazy moment. It is crazy to think that he got given not out but it makes for a good story. It makes for a good headline and we are still talking about it. It is a pretty iconic moment.\u201d<\/p>\n It was a very costly decision too. Broad was on 37 at the time. He went on to score 65 in a 138-run partnership with centurion Ian Bell that helped England set a tricky fourth innings target of 311. Australia lost by 14 runs in the end, with the 28 extra runs Broad added after his reprieve proving pivotal in the outcome of the game. As a result, there was no forgiving and forgetting from the Australian public. Most Australians will remember the first Test in Nottingham 12 years ago for Broad\u2019s refusal to walk more than Agar\u2019s 98 on debut, the highest ever score by a No.11 in Test cricket. Broad was then tormented as the English came to Australia later that year for the second leg of back-to-back Ashes series, relentlessly booed and heckled with chants of \u2018Broad is a w*****\u2019 ringing around stadiums across the country\u2019 whenever he came onto bowl. Australian fans also took great pleasure in Mitchell Johnson troubling him with his thunderbolts as the hosts regained the urn in a whitewash. Twelve years on, many Australians are more accepting of Broad\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n Asked whether Broad did the right thing by not walking, Mitchell Marsh said; \u201cYeah. He did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome people walk, some people don\u2019t, but at that stage, the umpire is there to make a decision and whilst it was the wrong one, I don\u2019t think many people are walking unless you are Gilly,\u201d Marsh added.<\/p>\n \u201cBut that was incredible. It is the most blatant edge \u2026 that went to \u2018Pup\u2019 at slip and I remember just watching and thinking it was unbelievable.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is one of those things that happens in Ashes cricket. There are so many twists and turns throughout a five Test match series and that was a big one.\u201d<\/p>\n Marnus Labuschagne, meanwhile, could see the irony in Broad\u2019s behaviour.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what makes me laugh about this is that, after we ran Jonny out at Lord\u2019s, and I knew Broady \u2013 I did an appearance at Lord\u2019s earlier, me, Jimmy and Broady, so I know Broady really well \u2013 and we had a lot of banter and it was very funny. But he was so angry (at Lord\u2019s). So much red mist,\u201d Labuschagne said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut that is good acting. I am happy with that. It is not his job to decide if he is out or not. I mean, he has obviously nicked it and slow mo footage shows that it is clearly out, but fair play to him. He kept a straight face and acted like it was not out, so fair play Stu.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was not a fan of the result there (with England winning by 14 runs) but it is not his decision to make,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, that is the way the cookie crumbled that day.\u201d<\/p>\n 10. MITCHELL STARC BOWLS RORY BURNS FIRST BALL OF THE ASHES \u2014 Brisbane 2021\/22<\/strong><\/p>\n Like Harmison\u2019s shocker, the first ball of a series at the Gabba was indicative of what was to come for England. If a wicket is to fall first ball of a Test match, most would expect a regulation outside edge or perhaps the opening batter to be trapped on the pads. The fact Mitchell Starc\u2019s first delivery to Rory Burns crashed into the base of leg stump was a major contributor to the massive celebrations by the Australians, and the shock felt by millions on their couches on either side of the globe.<\/p>\n \u201cOh bowled him first ball,\u201d Adam Gilchrist roared on commentary for Fox Cricket. \u201cThe inswinger from Starc and the immediate breakthrough. Australia can\u2019t believe the start they have got away to. And it is all happening at The Gabba.\u201d<\/p>\n English and Australian fans alike were wondering how Burns could have possibly shuffled so far across to leave his leg stump exposed, while also being mesmerised by the late swing Starc was able to generate. It was the sort of crushing yorker he normally knocks a right-hander over with.<\/p>\n \u201cCan you believe it?\u201d the late Shane Warne said on Fox Cricket\u2019s commentary. \u201cAll the predictions and everything going on. First rock. Starc comes in and bowls a thunderbolt. And Rory Burns too far across gets bowled leg peg.\u201d<\/p>\n It was a nightmare start for the tourists as they were eventually skittled for just 147 after Joe Root won the toss and elected to bat. They were never able to create any momentum for the remainder series, going down 4-0 for a second straight trip down under.<\/p>\n 9. ANDREW FLINTOFF AND BRETT LEE EMBRACE \u2014 Edgbaston 2005<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most iconic Ashes photos of all-time was born immediately following the closest Test match in Ashes history. England triumphed by two runs in an agonising finish at Edgbaston to square the 2005 Ashes at one-all. Australia\u2019s last wicket pair of Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz combined for a 59-run stand in only an hour to almost pull off the unthinkable. England were nervous, and worried that they may blown their chance when Kasprowicz was dropped at third man by Simon Jones with 15 runs to win, but they received a stroke of good fortune with the game on the brink. Kasprowicz gloved a Steve Harmison short ball through to wicketkeeper Geraint Jones, and umpire Billy Bowden raised his famous crooked finger. The Australians were hard done by, in the modern era of DRS, Kasprowicz would have survived with replays showing his hand was off his bat when it made contact with the ball.<\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t that have been electric if they had DRS there and he sent that up?\u201d Marnus Labuschagne said when shown the footage in Brisbane in September. \u201cI have watched that a lot in my time. It was an amazing innings by Lee. To be so close, it always hurts. It sucks you in.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were on the other end of a result like that at Edgbaston when \u2018Cummo\u2019 and Nathan got us over the line and it is obviously an amazing feeling when you are on the right end of it. \u201cBut the crowds in England are just electric. You watch the crowd there and the excitement, the energy, is just amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n A distraught Lee, who finished unbeaten on 43 after surviving 99 minutes at the crease, slumped to the ground and England superstar Andrew Flintoff veered away from his side\u2019s celebrations to shake hands and console the Australian No.10. The image captured of the pair became an instant classic, and is still used by the International Cricket Council to promote the spirit of cricket. Although, Flintoff has joked in the years since that his words were not so sincere, saying in multiple interviews he told Lee: \u201cThat\u2019s one-all, you Aussie b*stard.\u201d Lee, meanwhile, told Fox Cricket that his recollections were a little hazy.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been asked so many times and I have tried to recall what was said, but it\u2019s something on the lines of, you know, \u2018Your little bugger. You almost got us. Well played. Bad luck. I\u2019ll see you inside for cold beer.\u2019 There were probably a couple of choice words in there as well,\u201d Lee said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it was along that style of dialogue and that just goes to show what a competitor, firstly, Andrew Flintoff was, and then there is the respect for the game that he has. \u201cThat was a moment where he could have been off celebrating, because that was a great win by them, and that changed, that won the series for them. \u201cWe had won at Lord\u2019s and if we had won back-to-back, we would have won the series.\u201d<\/p>\n 8. STEVE SMITH\u2019S BACK-TO-BACK TONS IN RETURN FROM BALL-TAMPERING \u2014 Edgbaston 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n The ultimate act of redemption was delivered by Steve Smith in the 2019 series opener in Birmingham. In his first Test back after being stripped of the Australian captaincy and serving a 12-month suspension for \u2018Sandpapergate\u2019 in South Africa, Smith sent a reminder of his class with not one, but two backs against the wall tons. Smith walked to the crease at 2\/17 with the notoriously rowdy Edgbaston crowd baying for blood. The locals were giddy after being able to sink the boot into openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, who had both already been and gone. Smith was the one they were really waiting for. Boos rung out around the ground as well as chants of \u2018we saw you cry on the telly\u2019. It was a hostile cauldron that would have rattled many a player, but not Smith. As his teammates tumbled around him on day one, the prolific right-hander went about his business. Australia fell to 8\/122 before Smith found valuable allies in Peter Siddle (44) and Nathan Lyon (12*) to lift the team to 284 all out with his 144 contributing more than half of the total. Smith smacked 16 fours and two sixes in a breathtaking display, and he did it all over again across days three and four. Walking to the crease again with Warner and Bancroft dismissed cheaply and Australia still trailing by 63 runs, Smith picked up where he left off and although he never completely silenced the vocal crowd, he did at least quieten them. Smith carved 14 fours in his knock of 142, that along with a century from Matthew Wade helped Australia set England 398 to win. The visitors then went on to claim victory by a whopping 251 runs with Smith\u2019s heroics going down in Ashes folklore \u2013 he went on to score a Bradman-like 774 runs at 110.57 in seven innings across the series.<\/p>\n 7. PETER SIDDLE\u2019S BIRTHDAY HAT-TRICK ON FIRST DAY OF THE SERIES \u2014 Brisbane 2010\/11<\/strong><\/p>\n Just about every cricket fan in Australia can recite Mark Taylor\u2019s iconic commentary after Peter Siddle nailed Stuart Broad on the toe with a yorker at the Gabba on day one of the first Test of the 2010\/11 series. \u201cOh, that\u2019s close. He\u2019s given him! He\u2019s given him! Peter Siddle\u2019s got a hat-trick on his birthday,\u201d the former Australian captain yelled as the Gabba erupted for the ninth Ashes hat-trick ever taken. Unfortunately for Australia, there was very little joy to come from the remainder of that series as England romped to a 3-1 victory, but on November 25, 2010, Siddle created an unforgettable moment from a summer the nation wanted to remove from its memory. The 67-Test fast bowler was a fiery quick in his early years in the baggy green, and that was on show in Brisbane as he first found Alistair Cook\u2019s outside edge and Shane Watson snaffled the chance at first slip. With the adrenaline pumping, Siddle then knocked over Matt Prior for a golden duck with a fast yorker before the big moment arrived. Broad seemingly took forever to emerge from the dressing rooms, presumably he did not even have his whites on minutes earlier. It was the worth wait however as Siddle went full and fast again to the seal hat-trick. He was only the ninth Australian to take a Test hat-trick with Scott Boland becoming the tenth in the West Indies earlier this year. There is just something about Victorians as hat-tricks as eighth of the ten Australians to achieve the feat have called the MCG home.<\/p>\n 6. MICHAEL HUSSEY HITS THE WINNING RUNS \u2014 Adelaide 2006\/07<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most unlikely victories in Ashes history was sealed by Michael Hussey\u2019s glorious cover drive. Australia had no right win \u2018Amazing Adelaide\u2019 but such was the brilliance of the 2006\/07 whitewash team that they somehow willed themselves to victory in a game that should have petered out to a draw. After England piled on 6\/551 declared and the Australians responded with 513, the second Test seemed to be going nowhere fast. The visitors started the final have lost just one wicket in their second innings and boasting a 97-run lead, and many expected a few more sessions of run-making before skippers Ricky Ponting and Andrew Flintoff would shake hands. The Australians had other ideas however, with a four-wicket haul to Shane Warne triggering a collapse of 9\/60. The spin king had implored his teammates in the dressing room the night before that hope was not lost, and then backed up his words with a superb spell, highlighted by bowling Kevin Pietersen around his legs. The Australians then needed 168 to win, a target they ran down in 32.5 overs with six wickets to spare after they switched to one-day mode. Hussey finished unbeaten on 61 and got the satisfaction of striking James Anderson through cover to bring up the winning moment. \u201cIn 140 Tests this was the greatest I have played in,\u201d Warne remarked after the match.<\/p>\n ASHES GREATEST 25 \u2014 COUNTDOWN SO FAR<\/strong><\/p>\n 6. Michael Hussey winning runs, Amazing Adelaide 2006\/07<\/p>\n 7. Mitchell Starc bowls Rory Burns first ball of the Ashes, Brisbane 2021\/22<\/p>\n 8. Peter Siddle hat-trick on his birthday, Brisbane 2010\/11<\/p>\n 9. Steve Smith\u2019s back-to-back tons after ball-tampering, Edgbaston 2019<\/p>\n 10. Stuart Broad not walking, Trent Bridge 2013<\/p>\n 11. Steve Harmison wide first ball of the Ashes, Brisbane 2006\/07<\/p>\n 12. Adam Gilchrist 48-ball hundred, Perth 2006\/07<\/p>\n 13. Stuart Broad\u2019s 8\/15, Trent Bridge 2015<\/p>\n 14. Flintoff\/Lee embrace, Edgbaston 2005<\/p>\n 15. Ryan Harris gets Alastair Cook first ball, Perth 2013\/14<\/p>\n 16. Gary Pratt running out Ricky Ponting, Trent Bridge 2005<\/p>\n 17. Steve Smith hit by Jofra Archer, Lord\u2019s 2019<\/p>\n 18. Ashton Agar 98 batting at 11 on debut, Trent Bridge 2013<\/p>\n 20. Warne\/McGrath\/Langer retire, Sydney 2006\/07<\/p>\n 21. Monty Panesar\/James Anderson 10th wicket partnership, Cardiff 2009<\/p>\n 22. Mitchell Johnson bowls Stuart Broad, glares at Jimmy Anderson in 7-fa, 2013\/14<\/p>\n 23. Mitchell Starc\u2019s unplayable ball to James Vince, Perth 2017\/18<\/p>\n 24. Steve Waugh century on the ground at The Oval, 2001<\/p>\n 25. Nasser Hussain wins toss and bowls, Brisbane 2002\/03<\/p>\n “If the Colts don\u2019t act fast, we\u2019ll be watching Alec Pierce play for another team next season\u2014and at that point, we\u2019ll all be asking ourselves why we didn\u2019t lock him down sooner. His value is skyrocketing, and if they wait too long, it\u2019ll cost them big time.”<\/em> \u2014 Michael Pittman Jr.<\/strong>, on the urgency of re-signing Alec Pierce.<\/p>\n Indianapolis Colts<\/strong> wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.<\/strong> has issued a bold warning<\/strong> regarding the future of Alec Pierce<\/strong>, urging the team to act quickly before the young star\u2019s contract situation gets out of hand. Pierce<\/strong>, who is currently enjoying a breakout season<\/strong>, has become one of the NFL\u2019s top deep threats and a cornerstone of the Colts\u2019 offense<\/strong>. Pittman<\/strong>, seeing the potential of his teammate, made it clear that the clock is ticking<\/strong> for the Colts to lock him up long-term.<\/p>\n In an interview<\/strong>, Pittman didn\u2019t hold back when discussing Pierce\u2019s contract situation<\/strong>, saying: \u201cIf the Colts don\u2019t act fast, we\u2019ll be watching Alec Pierce play for another team next season\u2014and at that point, we\u2019ll all be asking ourselves why we didn\u2019t lock him down sooner. His value is skyrocketing, and if they wait too long, it\u2019ll cost them big time.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Alec Pierce<\/strong> has been on an absolute tear this season. With 28 receptions for 585 yards<\/strong> and 5 touchdowns<\/strong> in just eight games<\/strong>, the second-year receiver is on pace for a career-high 1,100 yards<\/strong> and 53 catches<\/strong>. After struggling in his rookie season, Pierce<\/strong> has found his rhythm, proving to be one of the league\u2019s best deep threats<\/strong> with an impressive 20.9 yards per reception<\/strong>, leading the NFL in this category.<\/p>\n Pierce\u2019s efficiency<\/strong> has drastically improved, as he currently boasts a career-best catch rate of 53.8 percent<\/strong>. Last year, he led the NFL in yards per reception<\/strong> at 22.3<\/strong>, and his physicality and speed<\/strong> have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He\u2019s quickly becoming a foundational piece<\/strong> in the Colts\u2019 offense<\/strong>, and it\u2019s clear he\u2019s ready to take on a larger role going forward.<\/p>\n With Pierce\u2019s value<\/strong> only increasing by the week, Pittman<\/strong> is sounding the alarm that the Colts front office<\/strong> must act fast. Reggie Wayne<\/strong>, the Colts\u2019 wide receivers coach<\/strong>, echoed this sentiment, saying Pierce\u2019s growth has been \u201cright on time\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cwell deserved\u201d<\/strong>. Pierce\u2019s success<\/strong> hasn\u2019t been a surprise to anyone in the wide receiver room<\/strong>, and both Pittman<\/strong> and Wayne<\/strong> believe the best is yet to come for the young receiver.<\/p>\n But the pressure is mounting. As Pierce\u2019s contract situation<\/strong> looms, it\u2019s becoming increasingly clear that Indianapolis<\/strong> could be forced to compete with other teams for his services if they don\u2019t lock him up soon. The Colts<\/strong> have the money and the desire to keep him, but waiting too long could mean losing him to another team willing to meet his growing price tag<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The question now is: Will the Colts act fast enough to retain Alec Pierce?<\/strong> With the team\u2019s offense built around explosiveness, Pierce\u2019s vertical threat<\/strong> is vital to their future success. Pittman<\/strong> and Wayne<\/strong> are both confident that Pierce\u2019s rise<\/strong> is sustainable, and it\u2019s clear the Colts<\/strong> would be wise to keep him as a central piece of their offense moving forward.<\/p>\n As Pittman<\/strong> says, the Colts<\/strong> can\u2019t afford to wait much longer. Pierce\u2019s value is on the rise<\/strong>, and if Indianapolis<\/strong> doesn\u2019t lock him down soon, they may find themselves bidding for his services with other teams. The clock is ticking, and it\u2019s time for the Colts<\/strong> to make sure they don\u2019t lose one of their brightest young stars.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The 2025-26 Ashes is almost here \u2014 and our countdown of the rivalry\u2019s greatest 25 moments of the 21st century is underway. The countdown began this week with Australian aggression, acts of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-hot-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t