The 2005 Ashes was supposed to be another chapter in Australia’s long-running dominance. Instead, it became one of the most dramatic Test series ever played. Australia had held the Ashes since 1989, winning
eight consecutive series against England. They arrived in England as the world’s No.1 Test side, while England had spent the previous year building momentum, winning 14 of their 18 Tests before the series. The stage was set for a contest far closer than many had expected.
What followed over five Tests was a series in which neither side was able to establish lasting control. Two runs, three wickets and one unforgettable summer. Australia won the opening Test at Lord’s by 239 runs, but England responded in extraordinary fashion at Edgbaston.
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The second Test became the defining match of the series. England made 407 in their first innings, with Marcus Trescothick scoring 90, Kevin Pietersen making 71 and Andrew Flintoff smashing 68 from just 62 balls. Australia were set 282 to win and came agonisingly close, being bowled out for 279. England won by two runs, the narrowest margin in Ashes history.
All 18 wickets taken by Simon Jones in 2005 Ashes.
What a lovely compilation by ECB 👇🏽
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The drama continued at Old Trafford. Australia were left needing to survive the final day to save the Test, and Ricky Ponting produced a magnificent 156. The match eventually ended in a draw with Australia nine wickets down, leaving England frustrated but still level in the series.
Flintoff and Warne became the faces of the battle
The series also produced two outstanding individual campaigns. Andrew Flintoff finished with 402 runs and 24 wickets, becoming England’s central figure with both bat and ball. Shane Warne was just as influential for Australia, taking a series-leading 40 wickets at an average of 19.92. Kevin Pietersen led all batters with 473 runs, while Australia’s Michael Clarke scored 335.
At Trent Bridge, England finally moved ahead. They forced Australia to follow on after taking a first-innings lead of 259 and eventually chased 129 with only three wickets remaining. It was Australia’s first follow-on in 191 Tests. The Ashes finally went to the Oval with England leading 2-1. Australia needed victory to draw the series and retain the urn. Kevin Pietersen’s maiden Ashes century, a 158, helped England build a huge lead, and the match eventually ended in a draw. England had won the series 2-1, ending 16 years of Australian Ashes dominance.
