Collins once again led the Australian's to England in the 1926 series. Unfortunately only 50 minutes of play were possible in the first Test at Trent Bridge due to the weather, at the close of play, England were 31 without loss.

The second Test was another drawn game, however not due to the weather. Superb batting took over as Bardsley in Australia's first innings, carried his bat with a knock of 193 not out. Hobbs in reply scored yet another century and became the first player to pass 4,000 runs in Test cricket. Hendren scored an unbeaten century (127) and Carr declared the innings on 475 with the loss of three wickets. Macartney then scored 133 not out as Australia batted until close.

Collins was ill and could not play in the third Test, Bardsley taking over the captaincy. He wasn't to be as lucky as the last Test and was out without scoring. Macartney then scored another century along with Woodfull and Richardson as Australia scored 494 runs. Forced to follow on after a poor first innings total, Hobbs and Sutcliffe put on 156 runs to ensure a drawn match.

Rain was again the winner at Old Trafford but no before some superb batting from Macartney and Woodfull. Macartney scored his 3rd successive century and Woodfull his second. England didn't have enough time to complete their innings, but were only 30 runs short of the Australian total with 5 wickets still standing.

Four test matches, four draws. Australia only needed to draw the final match at the Oval to retain the Ashes. All honours were even after the first innings, with Australia holding a 20 run lead. However, because this was the final match of the series and the Ashes were at stake, the match was to be played to a finish. England batted well in their second innings, or should I say Hobbs and Sutcliffe. The partnership won the match for England as Sutcliffe scored 100 and Hobbs went on to score 161. Rhodes who had been recalled to play for England after a 5-year gap took four important second innings wickets as England run out winners by 289. The Ashes were coming home at long last!