1961
The Ashes⁠

How England performed

Australia arrived for the 1961 series holding the Ashes after their 4–0 win in 1958–59, and a 2–1 victory in England meant they kept them. The opening Test at Birmingham was drawn: England trailed by 321 on first innings, 195 against 516 for 9 declared, but batted out the match at 401 for 4. Australia went ahead at Lord's, London, winning by five wickets after England were dismissed for 206 and 202.

England levelled at Leeds, bowling Australia out for 237 and 120 and reaching 62 for 2 to win by eight wickets. Australia regained the lead at Manchester, where England led on first innings, 367 to 190, only for Australia to make 432 in their second innings and win by 54 runs after England were dismissed for 201. The final Test at The Oval, London was drawn, England finishing on 370 for 8 in their second innings after Australia's 494, and the series ended 1–2.

Head coach

None (the first was appointed in 1986)

Captain

Peter May, Colin Cowdrey

Record

P5 W1 D2 L2