The Ashes rivalry, one of the oldest and most tempestuous rivalries in cricket, has been entertaining and making heroes out of many great batters over the last century as they battled it out for supremacy in this arena. The Ashes was one of the hardest places to score runs, and only a handful managed to etch their names as masters of the occasion. One such name in the modern-day cricket is Australia's Steve Smith who edged past England's Jack Hobbs to secure the 2nd spot in the list of most runs in the Ashes. Smith achieved this milestone in the 5th Ashes Test played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Herein, let's find out the five most prolific scorers in terms of runs in the history of The Ashes, including modern-day great Steve Smith. Most Runs in Ashes History Player Matches Innings Runs 100s 50s Don Bradman (AUS) 37 63 5028 19 12 Steven Smith (AUS) 41* 73 3683 13 14 Jack Hobbs (ENG) 41 71 3636 12 15 Allan Border (AUS) 42 73 3222 7 19 Steve Waugh (AUS) 45 72 3173 10 14 Sir Donald Bradman Image Source: Getty Images It is not surprising to find him at the top of the list for most runs scored within the Ashes. Universally recognized as the greatest Test batter of all times, Bradman managed to score 5,028 runs against the English from 1928 to 1948. Out of these 37 Ashes Tests played, Bradman made a clean sweep of 19 centuries, which accounted for seven more than any other player on the Ashes records. Not only did he strike the famous 334 at Headingley in 1930, but he held the world record at that point in time. In addition, he hit another triple hundred: 304 in 1934, and finished his career with eight scores above 200 against England. Today, Bradman's Ashes average of 89.78 still sounds unreal. No other player has come within a mile of matching his dominance in this ancient struggle. Also Read | Steven Smith Smashes 37th Test Century at SCG in Final Ashes Test Steve Smith Image Source: Getty Images Steve Smith is the only current player in the top five and the highest Ashes run-scorer of the modern era. He has amassed 3,683 runs in Ashes Tests and is still adding numbers to that tally. With 13 centuries scored in Ashes Tests, Smith is now the player with the most runs making up for the time that Bradman retired from the game. Against England, his batting averages say he has surpassed over 55, with causing trouble at home and away. His best was a knock of 239 at Perth in 2017, which saw Australia win the game by an innings. He has become one of the greatest players in Ashes history by virtue of his hunger for runs and ability to come through in big moments. Jack Hobbs Image Source: Allsports UK Ltd. Jack Hobbs, the legend of England, is number 3 on the list with an amazing 3,636 runs from Ashes. An Ashes career that spanned an incredible 22 years, ending in 1930. Hobbs had 12 centuries with 15 fifties to become the highest-run scorer in the Ashes. It was his reliability across conditions that allowed England to compete quite well during the earlier stages of the competition. Also Read | Ashes 2025–26: Did MCG Set a Record for Biggest Single-Day Attendance? Allan Border Image Source: Getty Images Allan Border, the ex-skipper of Australia, scored 3,222 runs in Ashes cricket. Known for his resilience and long-suffering nature, Border played 42 matches against England. He has seven centuries and 26 scores of 50 or more, often bringing Australia out of difficult situations. One of his best in Ashes: an unbeaten 200 at Headingley in 1993. Steve Waugh Image Source: ESPNcricinfo Ltd. The last of the top five is Steve Waugh, who marked his name in the book of record with 3,173 Ashes runs. Waugh was part of the most dominant era of Australia, helping his team to win eight straight Ashes series after 1987. Despite the fact that he had six ducks against England, Waugh managed to score 10 centuries, 14 fifties, and have a great average of 58.75. Last but not least, his spirit of fight made him a nightmare for England bowlers.