In the first post-war Ashes series, exactly half of the players involved were making their debuts. The MCC having declined to send a party the previous year sent a party under the captaincy of Douglas, their first choice of Spooner was unable to travel. As it turned out Australia were far too good for the English and won all five Test matches, the first time in history this had happened.

England made a fighting start to the first Test in Sydney and trailed by only 77 runs, however Australia rallied in the second innings and thanks to centuries by Armstrong and Collins (on debut) they scored 581 runs. England were never in the frame after this big innings and the home side won by 377 runs.

Australia continued where they left off in Sydney and scored 499 in their first innings thanks to centuries this time by Pellew and Gregory. Collins in only his second Test had scored his second half-century and one century in his three innings. Hobbs did his best to rally England and scored a fine 122 but with Gregory taking 7 wickets England slumped to 251 all out. Forced to follow on on a rain-ruined pitch lost by an innings and 91 runs.

In the third Test at Adelaide, that man Collins struck again with a knock of 162 and led Australia to a total of 354 runs. England replied with a fine innings of 447, thanks mainly to Russell's 135 and Woolley's 79. Australia were not to be outdone as Kelleway, Armstrong and Pellew all making hundreds, and were finally dismissed for 582, their highest total to date. England now required 489 runs to win, but despite Hobbs scoring 123 and the match's 6th century England fell 119 runs short and lost the third match.

The series won, and the Ashes regained by the home team, the circus moved onto Melbourne for the 4th test. It was the same result as the last three with Australia winning comfortably. Notable events from the match included Percy Fenders 5 wickets in Australia's first innings and centuries by Armstrong (3rd of the series) and Makepeace. Mailey's nine wickets in the second innings (9 - 121) remains an Australian record in Tests.

Australia led by 188 runs after the first innings thanks mainly to Macartney's 170 and Gregory's 93, fender once again took 5 wickets. England could only manage 280 in reply and Australia needing only 93 runs to win, got them with a loss of only one wicket. Mailey's 39 wickets ina 5 match test series remains a record for Australia.