1968 Ashes
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The Ashes, the legendary cricket series between England and Australia, began in 1877 with the first-ever Test match played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The rivalry quickly grew after England lost to Australia on home soil in 1882, prompting a satirical obituary in The Sporting Times declaring that “English cricket had died, and the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”
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The 1968 Ashes series, held in England, was a tightly contested five-Test battle that ended in a 1–1 draw, allowing Australia to retain the Ashes as the previous holders.
Australia struck first with a commanding 159-run victory in the opening Test at Old Trafford, thanks to strong batting from Paul Sheahan and Doug Walters, and incisive bowling from Bob Cowper and Pat Pocock. England responded in the second Test at Lord’s, where Basil D’Oliveira and Colin Milburn starred, and David Brown’s five-wicket haul helped enforce a follow-on, though the match ended in a draw. The third and fourth Tests at Edgbaston and Headingley were also drawn, despite standout performances from Colin Cowdrey, Ian Chappell, and Ray Illingworth.
The series climaxed at The Oval, where England leveled the series with a dominant 226-run win, powered by John Edrich’s 164 and Basil D’Oliveira’s politically significant century. Derek Underwood’s match-winning 7/50 on a drying pitch sealed the result. The series was marked by competitive cricket and historical significance, particularly surrounding D’Oliveira’s role, which would later spark international controversy.
Highlights
• Basil D’Oliveira’s century in the final Test became politically significant, leading to the infamous D’Oliveira Affair.
• Derek Underwood’s match-winning spell on a damp Oval pitch was crucial in leveling the series.
• Bill Lawry’s leadership and batting (including a 135 at The Oval) stood out for Australia.
• England’s captain Colin Cowdrey led a resilient side that fought back after losing the first Test.
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