With England's warmup getting underway yesterday for the winter Ashes series, Sports Mole remembers some of the best Ashes Tests played in Australia. Here are five of our favourites.
1. December 2006 - Second Test, Australia won by six wickets
The 2006 series is the worst in living memory for most England fans, but quite the opposite for Australians. The Aussies were 1-0 up and hoping for a series whitewash and their victory in the second Test made it inevitable rather than a pipe dream.
England looked sure not to be defeated with a score of 551-6 in the first innings and Australia's 513 meant that a draw was most likely. However, a typical collapse of 129 on the final day gave Australia a glimmer, which they took by knocking off the 168 inside 35 overs.
2. January 1987 - Fifth Test, Australia won by 55 runs
England had already won the series and this match was labelled a dead rubber. However, it was remarkable for the performances of some of the Aussie players who were about to spark the upturn in fortunes for their side.
Dean Jones scored a superb 184 and Peter Taylor claimed eight wickets on his debut. Australia won it by 55 runs, which was a precursor to their success throughout the 1990s.
3. November 1986 - First Test, England won by seven wickets
England were regarded as having little chance in this Test at home and Down Under, but Ian Botham inspired England to a win that would set the tone for a rare series victory in Australia.
He was the only centurion in a battling lineup in which most played their part as England opened with 456. Australia's low total meant that they then had to follow-on, with England knocking off the 75 required to take the first win of two that would claim them the series.
4. January 1995 - Third Test, match drawn
Drawn games can often be as exciting as a win for either side in cricket and the third Test in 1995 was one that could have been decided by the slightest of margins. Darren Gough was the key man in the first innings, following up a 50 with four wickets, but Australia managed to avoid the follow-on.
In doing so, the Aussies got right back into the game and after getting England out for 255 were able to see out the game with the bat; Shane Warne playing a key role in the second innings.
5. December 2010 - Fourth Test, England won by an innings and 157 runs
With the series finely poised at 1-1 before the sides headed to Melbourne straight after Christmas, England were the side to take advantage in the fourth Test with a dominant display on day one.
England won a crucial toss and set about destroying the Australian batting lineup, with the hosts managing just 98. In response, their 513 with the bat left Australia a huge task and they fell 157 runs short in their second innings, with England going on to take the final Test and the series 3-1.
Matt Domm
