Ashes: England win down under in 2010-11

The five Tests, each in 50 words

First Test: 25-29 Nov 2010, Brisbane, the Gabba

Test drawn after play on days 1, 2 and 4 was reduced due to bad light and/ or rain

Records and rain fell. Pete Siddle decimated England from 197/4 to 197/7 with a 26^th birthday hat-trick. Australia struggled before Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin hit a Gabba-high 307 run sixth-wicket partnership. Andrew Strauss (110), Alastair Cook (235 not out) and Jonathan Trott (136 not out) topped it.

Second Test: 3-7 Dec 2010, Adelaide, Adelaide Oval

England won by an innings and 71 runs

Australia struggled as Simon Katich was run out before facing a ball, and captain Ricky Ponting went for a first-ball duck. Cook continued his magnificent form and Pietersen hit his Test highscore of 227. England declared on 620/5 and won their 100^th Test over Australia with Graham Swann’s tenth five-wicket haul.

Third Test: 16-20 Dec 2010, Perth, WACA Ground

Australia won by 267 runs

England’s only blip. After two Tests of batting excellence, they managed only 187 and 123. Mitchell Johnson was brought in by Australia to stop England, but it was Ryan Harris who cut them down to size with figures of 6/47. Johnson (62) ended up top scoring in the first innings.

Fourth Test: 26-30 Dec 2010, Melbourne, Melbourne Cricket Ground

England won by an innings and 157 runs

England, back on form, retained the Ashes. Australia yielded only 98 in their first innings, their lowest MCG total, and all ten wickets were behind the stumps catches. England responded with 513 – Jonathan Trott hitting 168 not out – despite Peter Siddle taking 6/75. The 415 run deficit was too great.

Fifth Test: 3-7 Jan 2011, Sydney, Sydney Cricket Ground

England won by an innings and 83 runs

Australia’s batting woes were highlighted when Johnson top scored again in the opening innings. England amassed 644 in response, with 189 from Cook, who earned the man-of-the-series award for his 766 runs. James Anderson took 7/127 across Australia’s two innings. It was England’s first Ashes win down under since 1986/87.