5th Match - Oval, London 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th August 1964

The 1964 Series, the 47th between the two countries was spoiled by the English weather yet again. Bobby Simpson led the tourists to England.

Geoff Boycott made his Test debut at Trent Bridge in the first Test of the summer. After rain had caused delays, England declared on 216 for 8 wickets. In reply Australia struggled on the wicket and were dismissed for only 164 runs. England were once again dogged by bad weather, and decided to call a halt to their second innings after reaching 193 for the loss of 9 wickets. Australia struggling at 2 for 40 held out for a draw when rain ended the Test. Only 1 full day was possible out of 5.

Lord's didn't offer much hope for a result either as no play was possible for the first two days. Dexter won the toss and put Australia in to bat, the tourists struggled to 176 all out, Fred Trueman taking 5 wickets. John Edrich then came out and scored a century as England took a lead of 70. Unfortunately for the home side, rain caused the premature end to the match just after lunch on the final day.

Headingley gave the series its first and only result, Hawke taking 5 wickets and McKenzie 4 saw England dismissed for 268. In what turned out to be a crucial innings, Peter Burge scored 160 after Titmus had spun England into contention (Australia were struggling at 7 for187). England were then all out for 229 which left Australia needing only 109 runs for victory. Redpath guided the visitors to the required total, the visitors only loosing 3 wickets in the run chase.

The 4th Test at Old Trafford was a high scoring affair, which was destined to end in a draw. After an opening stand of 201 between Bill Lawry and Bobby Simpson Australia posted a total of 656 for the loss of 8 wickets. In reply England scored 611 with Barrington scoring 256 and Dexter 174, both sharing in a stand of 246 for the third wicket. Very little play was possible after the completed first innings and time ran out on the teams.

The final Test played at the Oval saw another draw. England scored 182, Hawke once again in the wickets taking 6 for 47 runs. Trueman took 300 wickets in his test career in this match, Hawke who had earlier bowled so well became his 300th victim. This was the first time in history that the figure had been reached, and today, only a handful of bowlers have managed to reach this height. Boycott made his first test century in England's second innings and the match slowly grinded to a draw, no play was possible on the final day due to rain. Australia had won the series and retained the Ashes.