Australia was the setting for the next series in 1903 - 1904 and the Australian authorities invited MacLaren to bring a side to the antipodes. However, MacLaren declined the invitation after Barnes and Lockwood refused to go. The MCC stepped in and were for the first time, responsible for the touring side. They announced Pelham Warner as captain (he later became the joint tour manager of the 1932 - 1933 Bodyline tour, now famous in it's own right.) he didn't fare any better as most of the top English amateurs declined to travel.

 

The Australian captain was Noble. The Australian captain made 133 in the first Test played in Sydney, and helped his side to 285 all out. However, in reply England scored a massive 577, thanks mainly to Foster who set three records for his 287. It was the highest score by an Englishman in Australia (Test), the highest score on debut by a Test batsman, and he also scored a 130 run partnership with Rhodes for the last wicket, a record in Ashes Test matches. At the close of the innings, Australia were nearly 300 runs behind England, but in reply Trumper scored 185 not out in a total of 485. England won the match by 5 wickets, as they carefully scored the 194 runs required.

 

Appalling catching and weather turned the game in England's favour at Melbourne in the second Test. Foster was to retire ill on 49 not out and at that stage England were looking in a healthy position at 2 for 221. They went on to score 315, Tyldesley making 97. Unfortunately because of the inclement weather, the wicket turned and the three remaining innings struggled to get over 100 runs and England won by 185 runs. The catching on both sides was described as appalling, and it is said that Rhodes had eight catches dropped, despite him finishing with figures of 15 for 124!

 

Australia won the third test at Adelaide by 218 runs, Trumper scoring 113in the first and 59 in the second innings. It was a fast wicket and only Trumper, Hill and Gregory were able to master the conditions. Two records were to fall in this match, Clem Hill passed 2,000 runs and Trumper scored his 4th century against England.

 

Sydney's famous weather played a part in the result as England managed to win the match by 157 runs. On the second day, and in front of some 30,000 people, play was interrupted time after time. The fans became restless, and some intensive barracking started as well as bottle throwing. This wasn't the first spot of trouble in the series. Earlier in the first Test (also at Sydney) Hill had been adjudged run out, the crowd became restless and Warner had considered withdrawing his side from the match. In a low scoring match, Knight made 70 in 260 minutes and Bosanquet (in his first series) took 5 for 12 with googlies in the second innings.

 

Once again rain spoiled the last Test at Melbourne, with Australia the eventual winners by 218 runs. The only noteworthy even from the match was Trumble's second Test match hat trick in what turned out to be his last first class match. England regained the Ashes by 3 - 2.