The first match of the 1953 series was ruined by the falling rain, yet again ! Hassett Australia's captain, made 115 in their first innings and were in a very comfortable position at 3 for 237 when Bedser bowled Australia out adding a further 12 runs. Bedser ended the innings by taking 7 wickets for 55 runs. England under the command of Hutton didn't bat at all well and mainly thanks to Lindwall's 5 for 66, scored 144 all out, 145 runs behind the tourists total. Once again Bedser took seven wickets in the second innings and Australia fell for only 123 runs. There was very little play left in this match and England were well placed at 1 for 120, Hutton scoring 60 as rain spoiled what looked to be a certain England victory at Trent Bridge.

Hassett was once again in the runs at Lord's for the second Test with a fine 104. Supported by Davidson (76) and Harvey (59), Australia scored 346 in their first innings, Bedser taking another 5 wickets. The English captain had the perfect answer to his opposite number and scored 145, England taking a small lead of 26 runs. By the end of the 4th day's play, Australia were in a commanding position, thanks to Miller's 109 and England's precarious position of 3 for 20. Needing a further 323 runs to win Watson scored a defensive knock of 109 to save the game for England.

With the series still all square, the series moved on to Old Trafford. Known as a ground with plenty of 'rain history' it didn't give the players a great deal of hope for a full game, especially considering the English summer in 1953 ! They weren't disappointed as the heavens opened and indeed spoiled the third Test match. Notable performances included Bedser's 5 wickets in the first innings, Harvey scoring 122 and Australia 8 for 35 in their second innings.

Headingley hosted the 4th Test match and it was to prove slightly controversial. England were bowled out for 167, Lindwall again taking 5 wickets in an innings. Australia in reply built a lead of 99 thanks to Harvey's knock of 71. Australia were left with 177 runs to get after England fell for 275, Miller taking 4 wickets in the innings. With only 115 minutes left of play, it didn't look too much of an ask for the visitors to seal their first win of the series. However after a brisk start, Bailey started bowling legside off a long run up and wasted enough time and scoring shots to save the game. Clarrie Grimmett's record of 216 wickets was overtaken by Bedser in this match after the English bowler had taken 6 wickets in the second innings.

The final match of the series was played at the Oval. As the series was level, the match was extended to six days to make sure a result was forthcoming. Australia batted first and were soon in trouble, but thanks mainly to Lindwall (62) and Hassett (53) they recovered to make 275 all out. A last wicket partnership for England helped them pass Australia's total and achieve a 31 run lead. Lock then took 5 wickets and Laker 4 as Australia were bowled out for only 162 leaving very little to defend. England won the match and the series by 2 wickets, Edrich top scoring with 55. It was the first time in 19 years that England had won the Ashes. It was also another landmark for Alec Bedser who's 39 wickets was also an Ashes record for a series.