Armstrong captained the touring party to England in 1921. Hobbs was unlucky and was either ill or injured throughout the series and was unable to play. However he did turn up to play at Headingley but was rushed to hospital with appendicitis while fielding, he did not bat. England did not have a settled side and 16 players made their debuts throughout the series.

England were dismissed for only 112 in the first innings, thanks mainly to the fast bowling duo of Gregory and McDonald who captured 9 wickets and a further 7 in the second. Australia won the first match by 10 wickets. Things didn't improve at Lord's in the second Test and 13 wickets fell to the deadly duo and Australia winning by 8 wickets. Only Woolley offered any resistance with two knocks in the 90's.

Australia batted first at Headingley and made 407, Macartney scoring his first century of the series. Lionel Tennyson captained after Douglas had led England to 7 successive defeats. When Tennyson injured his hand fielding, Douglas resumed as captain. Tennyson showed Great Spirit when he scored a one handed 63, but could not avoid a 219 run defeat and England's eighth in succession, despite the change in captaincy.

The final two matches in the series were drawn as rain ruined any chance of a result at Old Trafford, unluckily for England as they were well on top when the game ended. The final game ended as a tame draw and Armstrong in protest was seen reading a newspaper in the outfield as the game was so pointless and an obvious draw.