England and Australia will start the new Ashes series in Perth on Friday, stepping into a rivalry that has carried its own history for more than a century. England arrive with a clear target: to take back the urn for the first time since 2015.Since the 2010/11 win, England’s tours to Australia have featured repeated collapses and heavy defeats, with only a few draws that felt more like brief escapes. This time, as the teams meet again, we look back at five iconic Ashes series in a rivalry that began in 1882.
2019: Stokes’ innings and Smith’s run tally
Australia kept the Ashes as holders even though the series was drawn for the first time since 1972. Steve Smith became the main focus on his return from a ball-tampering suspension, scoring 774 runs in seven innings at an average above 110, including two centuries in the first Test at Edgbaston.He missed three innings after a Jofra Archer bouncer struck him, or he might have approached Donald Bradman’s record of 974 runs in a Test series from 1930.Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 135 in the third Test at Headingley produced England’s standout moment. With England nine down and still needing 73, Stokes and Jack Leach took the chase to 362-9, England’s highest successful chase in Tests.
2005: England edge a tight series
The 2005 Ashes is remembered as one of the most iconic series in the history of the sport. England beat Australia for the first time in almost 19 years.Australia won the first Test at Lord’s by 239 runs, but Glenn McGrath’s injury on the morning of the second Test shifted the balance. Andrew Flintoff performed with both bat and ball, and although Australia came close while chasing 282, England won by two runs when Michael Kasprowicz was caught behind off Steve Harmison.The third Test was drawn. England then held off a late push from Shane Warne to win the fourth Test at Trent Bridge. Leading 2-1, England needed only a draw in the fifth Test. Kevin Pietersen’s 158 and Ashley Giles’ fifty secured that result, giving England the Ashes.
1981: Botham’s Ashes
Ian Botham played a central role in England’s 1981 series win. He began as captain but stepped down after defeat at Nottingham and a pair at Lord’s.England were in trouble after following on at Headingley. Former England wicketkeeper Godfrey Evans rated their chances at 500/1. Botham’s unbeaten 149 turned the match, and Australia were set 130. Bob Willis then took 8-43, completing an 18-run win.Botham then took five wickets for one run in 28 balls at Edgbaston, securing another win. His 118 at Old Trafford led to a 103-run victory and a 3-1 series result.
1948: Australia’s unbeaten tour
Don Bradman led Australia on what became an undefeated tour, winning the Ashes 4-0. In the fourth Test at Headingley, Australia chased 404 on the final day, losing only three wickets. Arthur Morris scored 182 and Bradman finished on 173 not out.Bradman’s final Test innings, however, is the moment often recalled. Needing four runs to finish with an average of 100, he was bowled for a duck by Eric Hollies, ending with 99.94.
1932/33: Bodyline series
This series became known for its controversy and England’s plan to limit Bradman’s scoring. Captain Douglas Jardine used “leg theory,” with fast bowler Harold Larwood delivering short balls to a heavy leg-side field.England won the series 4-1, and Bradman averaged 56.57. But the tactic, later called “Bodyline,” was labelled “unsporting” by Australian officials and brought the two boards close to a diplomatic dispute.
