The series held in the English summer of 1884 was considered by some to have the potential of being the hardest fought series so far. Only three players gained their debuts in this series which shows how strong both sides were - this was by far the strongest side England put out.

The first Test was held in a wet Manchester, at the Old Trafford ground and the weather was the only victor in the first day as a whole days play was lost due to the inclement weather. When play finally began on the second day, England were all out for 95, Boyle and Spofforth taking 6 and 4 wickets each. In reply Australia scored 182 runs, to hold a valuable lead in the game. England were 9 - 180 at the close of play on the third day, just about doing enough to force a draw as time ran out on both teams, it was to serve as a warning to the home team for the rest of the tour.

Lords was to host the second Test of the series and it's first ever test match. By doing so it became the 5th Test match ground in the world. At the time the officials at the grounds used picked the teams and because of this England saw two changes in the form of Lord Harris and Lyttelton coming in for the northerners Hornby and pilling, remembering that Hornby was the captain in the first test.

A strange incident happened during the Australian first innings of 229 when his own captain, Murdoch, caught out Scott. The Australian captain had entered the field because Grace had injured his finger and acted as his substitute. Australia were no match for England in this Test as Steel scored a tremendous 148 in England's total of 379. Australia in reply were totally destroyed by Ulyett who took 7 for 36 and England recorded their first win of the summer by an innings and 5 runs, the second innings win.

Australia fought back at the Oval with a first innings score of 551, the highest total to date, Murdoch helping the score along with a fine 211, the first ever double century. Murdoch and Scott's third wicket stand of 207 was also a record. No declarations were allowed in 1884 and Australia were forced to bat on until all wickets fell. Due to the length of the innings, all 11 players bowled for England, the first time that had ever happened. The match no surprisingly ended in a draw as England scored 346 in reply, timed out.

England won the Series 1-0 and retained the Ashes.