Marnus Labuschagne: Labuschagne, born in South Africa, had a remarkable rise to prominence. He made his debut as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith and made the most of his opportunity, ending up as the world’s leading run-scorer by year’s end. Known for his nimble footwork and ability to play spin and pace equally well, Labuschagne has become a linchpin in Australia’s batting lineup. His hunger for runs, combined with his exceptional fielding skills, has made him a key player for Australia. His 58* in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final was crucial in helping Australia win the World Cup. Ranked by the ICC as the world’s best Test batsman at a young age, he has the makings of an all-time great.

Peter Burge: The 1965 Wisden Cricket Player of the Year, Burge was a powerful and aggressive batsman throughout his 42-Test career. He honed his skills as a young boy by placing a ball inside a sock and attaching it to a rope to practice batting for hours each day. His fighting spirit was evident when his 160* in a Test at Headingley, while the rest of the team was struggling, helped secure a series win.

Greg Ritchie: Affectionately known as “Fat Cat” due to his larger-than-normal frame, Ritchie made his Test debut in 1982 against Pakistan and made an immediate mark, notching a century in his second Test match. His brilliant cover drive wasn’t enough to make him a mainstay in the Test squad, as his frame sometimes hindered him, even leading to missing the start of a Test match due to oversleeping. He scored many runs for Queensland and could have played more for Australia. His finest moments came with scores of 94 and a century in back-to-back Ashes Tests.

Andrew Symonds: Symonds, or “Roy,” was one of the most polarising players of his time. Born in Birmingham, England, and moving to Queensland as a toddler, Symonds was a destructive middle-order batsman and all-rounder who could bowl medium pace or off-spin. His unwavering aggression sometimes got the better of him, as his approach of trying to hit a six every ball was must-watch TV, but had his coaches watching with one eye open. Playing county cricket in England, he once hit 20 sixes in an innings. Symonds’ flair for the unorthodox made him a crowd favourite, and his explosive batting often turned the course of matches. In ODIs, he scored over 5,000 runs at a blistering strike rate, complementing his contributions with more than 130 wickets. He was one of Australia’s greatest-ever ODI players, playing pivotal roles in their successful campaigns, including World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007. Symonds was plagued by many off-field controversies, which overshadowed his incredible ability with bat and ball. He was a true match-winner, who was not only great with bat and ball but also an extraordinary fielder—a truly amazing cricketer who was lost too soon.

Ian Healy (WK) (C): Renowned for his exceptional glove work behind the stumps, Healy was a key figure in Australia’s dominance in that era. Known for his “Bowling Warnie” chant as he and Shane Warne formed a deadly duo. He could keep to to quicks and spin like no other and earned recognition as wicket-keeper in Australia’s team of the century. Healy was also handy with the bat as he amassed over 4,300 runs in Test cricket at an average of around 27. He holds the record for the most dismissals by an Australian wicketkeeper, showcasing his prowess as a reliable last line of defence. Queensland did have great options in Don Tallon and Wally Grout but both were eclipsed by Healy.

Mitchell Johnson: He struck terror into the hearts of batsmen with his express pace and menacing bounce. Johnson’s career peaked during the mid-2010s when he played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumphs, particularly in the 2013-2014 Ashes series, when English players later admitted they were scared to face him. His aggressive style and ability to generate raw pace made him a nightmare for opponents, reflected in his impressive tally of over 300 Test wickets. Johnson’s devastating spells not only rattled batting line-ups but also earned him accolades, including the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2009 and 2014.

Nathan Hauritz: Hauritz, an off-spinner from Wondai, took 3/16 on his debut, including the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar. Over the course of his Test career, he claimed 63 wickets in 17 appearances, including 18 wickets in three Tests against Pakistan. Unfortunately, Hauritz played during the era of Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill; however, he made the most of his opportunities.

Craig McDermott: With a classic run-up and side-arm action, McDermott was a pain in the backside for the English. Standing 6’3″, he led the Australian attack in the late 80s and early 90s. McDermott played 71 Tests and 138 ODIs for Australia, taking a total of 291 Test wickets (14 five-fors) and 203 ODI wickets. His impressive career highlights include being a crucial part of the Australian team during the 1987 Cricket World Cup victory and contributing significantly to several Test series wins.