1981
The Ashes⁠

How England performed

England kept the Ashes in 1981, winning the six-Test home series 3–1 after their 5–1 success in Australia in 1978–79. It began with defeat at Nottingham, where England were dismissed for 185 and 125 and Australia won by four wickets, and the second Test at Lord's, London was drawn.

The series turned at Leeds. Australia declared on 401 for 9 and dismissed England for 174, but England made 356 in their second innings and then bowled Australia out for 111 to win by 18 runs. Birmingham followed a similar course: England trailed on first innings, 189 to 258, yet won by 29 runs after dismissing Australia for 121. A 103-run win at Manchester, where England's 231 and 404 proved too much for Australia's 130 and 402, put the series beyond reach, and the final Test at The Oval, London was drawn with England on 261 for 7.

Head coach

None (the first was appointed in 1986)

Captain

Mike Brearley, Ian Botham

Record

P6 W3 D2 L1