For the first time in 5 series, both captains kept their positions, however Chappell had only been in charge for 1 Test Match (between Australia and England).

Tony Greig made his debut at Old Trafford and scored 57 (England's top scorer), England making 249. In reply, Australia struggled to cope with Snow and Arnold's bowling (both taking 4 wickets) fell for 142. Dennis Lillee took 6 wickets in England's second innings to keep the visitors in the match. Needing 342 runs for victory, Marsh was again out in the nineties and even though Stackpole contributed with 67 it wasn't enough. Tony Greig and Snow both took 4 wickets each and England won the first Test match by 89 runs.

Bob Massie on debut for Australia took 8 wickets for 84, England unable to cope with his swing bowling and they were all out for 272 runs. In reply, Greg Chappell made 131 as Australia took a first innings lead of 36. Massie once again went through the England batting and ended with figures of 8 for 53. It was by far the best return by a bowler on debut and only two bowlers have taken more than 16 wickets in a Test match. Massie ended with match figures of 16 for 137 and Australia won by 8 wickets.

Australia made 315 in their first innings at Trent Bridge, Stackpole scoring 114 and Snow once again taking 5 wickets. Massie and Lillee then took England apart, restricting the home side to only 189 runs. Chappell then declared on 4 for 324, Ross Edwards the main contributor with 170 not out. Luckurst then fell 4 short of another century but England easily saved the game, ending the match on 290 for 4.

Headingley was the venue for the 4th Test, it was clouded with controversy. Australia were dismissed for only 146 after the pitch took spin from the start. Derek Underwood had been recalled for this Test match and took four wickets, the fact that he had been recalled raised suspicions in the Australian camp. Mallett and Inverarity took control during England's innings and the hosts were bowled out for 263, thanks mainly to Illingworth and Snow adding 104 for the eighth wicket. Australia were bowled out cheaply in their second innings (136) and once again Underwood was the main wicket taker with 6 for 46. England needing only 20 runs to win won by 9 wickets in under three days. The weather had been blamed for the condition of the pitch. With this win, the English team had retained the Ashes.

Australia won the final Test match at the Oval, Lillee taking 5 wickets and narrowly missing out on a hat trick by taking 3 wickets in 4 balls. Both Chappell brothers scored centuries in Australia's first innings - this was the first time brothers had scored centuries in the same innings. Lillee took another 5 wickets in the second innings and set Australia 242 to win. Stackpole scored 79 on the way to a 5 wicket win. Marsh taking 23 dismissals and Lillee's 31 wickets were records for a tour to England.