Only two matches were to be played in the 1890 series held in England, once again Murdoch captained the side. Australia started confidently in the first match (held at Lord's) with Lyons scoring a quick half century (only 36 minutes). Unfortunately Australia crumbled and their innings fell away to 132 all out, however, things did look a lot better when grace was run out without a run being scored. England managed to crawl along to 173 all out Ulyett and read the main contributors with 74 and 34 respectively. John Barrett on debut for Australia carried his bat in the second innings with a knock of 67 out of a team total of 176, leaving England needing 135 runs to win. Grace fared better n the reply as he carried his bat with a fine knock of 75, England winning by 7 wickets.

Due to County commitments, England were without three first choice players for the second match held at the Oval. Yorkshire refused to allow Peel and Ulyett to play and because of this Stoddart pulled out of the Test to play against the two for Middlesex. The start was delayed due to rain, unfortunately for Australia play began and were soon all back in the dressing room for 92 runs on a difficult wicket. Fred Martin of Kent on his debut took six wickets for only 50 runs, off 27 overs. In what turned out to be yet another low scoring match, England's reply gave them an 8 run lead, and with Australia struggling to 102 all out, they only required 95 runs for victory. The two demon bowlers from Australia hadn't given up as 8 wickets fell in the run chase, England finally scarping home by two wickets, J.M. read top scorer with 35 runs.

The match was won by a Barrett overthrow, who sadly never played Test cricket again due to his commitments as a doctor. Fred Martin on debut remember, took a further 6 wickets in the second innings, and with a total of 12 wickets for the match stood as a record for 82 years. Strangely he only played in two tests. The man that broke his record in 1972, Bob Massie (16 wickets) also had a short test career lasting only two series.

The third Test at Old Trafford was washed out without a ball being bowled. Martin didn't even make the side for this test match (if it had been played) even after a 12-wicket debut!