It was in this series of 1899 that Australia sent the strongest squad of players to England ever seen, certainly at the time, and is interesting to note that they are today still regarded as an outstanding group of players.

The first Test was played at a new ground, Trent Bridge; it became England's 4th Test ground. Wilfred Rhodes's made his debut in Test cricket and became the oldest player to play Test cricket, beating W.G. Grace's record, who ended his association with Test cricket in the match at the age of 51. Australia, too, had a great debutante in Victor Trumper. Australia made 252, Trumper scoring 0 on his first visit to the wicket. England in reply scored 193, and when Australia declared their innings on 8 for 230, the home side needed 290 to win the first match. England were in trouble early on after loosing four quick wickets, however, a brave knock of 93 not out by Ranjitsinhji ensured the draw.

Ernest Jones made his mark in England in the second Test at Lord's by taking 7 for 88, England struggling to a total of 206. Trumper, who was only 21 years old, scored his first century of 135 not out, and Clem Hill also 135, helped Australia score 421 runs in reply. England only managed 240 in the second innings and Australia scored the 28 runs required for victory without loosing any wickets.

Another Test ground joined the circuit in the 3rd Test, Headingley. Australia were dismissed for 172. Johnny Briggs, who took 3 wickets, had an epileptic fit on the first night and was sent to a local Asylum. He returned to first class cricket, not Tests, but unfortunately died less than three years later in an Asylum. England in reply led by 48 runs and soon bowled out the tourists for 224 in their second innings, lining up a probable victory. Unfortunately, the weather intervened and the final day's play was lost to rain and Australia kept hold of the 1 game advantage.

Old Trafford, Manchester, staged the 4th Test match. England, batting first, scored 372, thanks mainly to a fine century by Tom Hayward of 130. Australia struggled in reply and only managed 196, against tight bowling by Walter Bradley (on debut) and H Young (his second match). The match petered out to a draw as Australia scored 7 for 346 dec, and England without the time to mount a serious run chase, ended on 3 for 94.

England played well in the final test at the Oval, Hayward and Jackson scoring a record-opening stand of 185. England went on to score 576, a daunting total for Australia to play against. Lockwood broke the Australian batting as he took 7 wickets for 71 runs, and Australia ending their innings on 352. They were forced to follow on, but England couldn't do enough to force a victory as Australia comfortably held out for a draw on 5 for 254.

The series won by Australia, 1 - 0. It was their first back to back Ashes Series win.