When you think of Brett Lee, you think of speed, aggression, and pure Australian dominance. During his glittering career, Lee took 310 wickets in 76 Tests and was a key part of the "Golden Era" of Australian cricket. He was there for the ruthless 5-0 whitewash of England in the 2006/07 series, a victory that felt like sweet revenge. You would naturally assume that such a crushing win would be the highlight of his career.
However, in a surprising revelation, the speedster admits that his favourite series is actually one where Australia went home empty-handed. Speaking recently on the Old Boys, New Balls Podcast, hosted by legends Lord Ian Botham and Sir Bill Beaumont, Lee confessed that the 2005 Ashes series holds the top spot in his heart.
Despite England breaking an 18-year drought to reclaim the urn, the quality of the contest meant more to Lee than the result. “That, to me, was the best Test series I've ever been involved in,” Lee said. He acknowledges that this confuses fans who are used to the Australian winning mentality. “A lot of people say to me 'but Australia lost'- well, so be it. It's the way and the style in which it was played.”
He remembered the razor-thin margins, specifically the second Test at Edgbaston, where Australia lost by just two runs. “If we won that second Test, I think we would have gone on to beat England, we would have had that momentum, but the game's a funny thing.”
Lee also recalled, “(Moments before Kasprowicz was out) I hit one to deep point, half a metre to either side (of the fielder) is four, we probably wouldn't be chatting about the game. Full credit to England, they played beautifully.”
The series is best remembered for the iconic image of Andrew Flintoff consoling a devastated Lee on the pitch. “That big hand (from Flintoff) came over my shoulder, he consoled me and said 'you cheeky, little bugger, you almost got us',” Lee laughed. “There was a few choice words which I've left out for obvious reasons.”
Now, cricket fans around the world are gearing up for the next chapter in this storied rivalry. The Ashes 2025/26 series is finally here, with the first Test set to begin tomorrow, Friday, 21st Nov, 2025. If it provides even half the drama of 2005, we are in for a treat.
