After two series in charge, Ray Illingworth gave way to Mike Denness as he captained England on their tour to Australia for the 52nd Series. Geoff Boycott had been widely tipped to succeed Illingworth as captain but he withdrew from the tour due to personal reasons.

Brisbane threw up an interesting story. The curator had originally prepared the pitch, however the Lord Mayor didn't agree with the way it had been prepared decided to do the job himself! As the Lord Mayor was also a member of the cricket ground trust, he sacked the curator. Australia batted first and scored 309, both Chappell's again in the runs and Bob Willis took 4 wickets. Tony Greig was the only batsman to shine for England as he scored 110 and unfortunately for the tourists they finished 44 runs behind after the first innings. Grege Chappell scored his second half-century of the match and Australia declared leaving England to score 333 to win in 400 minutes. In his first Test against England, Jeff Thompson took 6 wickets for 46 (9 in the match) and England lost by 166 runs. Both Edrich (fractured hand) and Amiss (fractured thumb) were injured and had to bad as such, Cowdrey was flown out to cover for the batting.

Perth saw the return of old favourite Fred Titmus. It was his first Test since his accident in the West Indies in 1968 where he lost 4 toes. Chappell won the toss and asked England to bat. The tourists failed again in their first innings scoring only 208. Both Walters and Edwards scored centuries as Australia took command of the second Test. Trailing by 272 runs, England improved in their second innings and scored 293 leaving the home side to score 21 runs to win. Thompson was again the leading wicket taker, taking 5 wickets for 93 runs. Australia lost one wicket chasing the 21 runs for victory and took a 2-0 lead in the series.

The third Test held in Melbourne was drawn. England lost the toss again and were put in for the third time in the series. The tourists scored 242, Knott the only score over 50 and Thompson took another 4 wickets. In reply Australia were dismissed for 241, thanks mainly to Bob Willis who took 5 wickets. Amiss who had recovered scored 90 in the second innings, England scoring 244. Thompson again taking 4 wickets in the innings. The rubber was drawn with Australia requiring only 8 runs for victory and two wickets left.

The 4th test at Sydney saw Australia win the toss again, this time deciding to bat first. Mike Denness had dropped himself for this match and Australia wasted no time in taking control scoring 405 runs. Arnold and Greig were the pick of the bowlers taking 9 of the 10 wickets to fall. England trailed by 110 runs after completing their innings, Knott again top scoring and Thompson once again took 4 wickets in the innings. The home side then declared at 4 for 289, Redpath and Greg Chappell scoring centuries leaving England to score 390 runs to win. England were bowled out for 228 and Australia won their third Test of the series and regain the Ashes.

Denness returned as captain for the 5th Test at Adelaide and for once won the toss. The English captain put Australia in to bat on a damp wicket, after no play was possible on the first day. The home side scored 304 all out, a great recovery considering they were at one stage 5 for 84. England scored 172 runs and with Australia then declaring on 5 for 272 left England needing 405 to win. Underwood had taken 11 of the 15 Australian wickets to fall. Unfortunately for the home side, Thompson was unavailable to bowl due to an injury he picked up playing tennis on a rest day! Lillee took over and England fell 164 runs short of the target.

Bob Willis was injured for the 6th and final test in Melbourne and Peter lever took his place. The replacement took 6 wickets for 38 as Australia collapsed to 152 all out. Dennis Lillee hurt his foot after only six overs and was forced to retire. Without their fast bowlers Australia struggled, Denness scored 188 and Fletcher 146 and England ended their innings on 529 all out. Max Walker had his best ever test return (8 - 43) and despite Greg Chappell scoring a century in their second innings, the home side lost their first match of the series by an innings and 4 runs.