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.” 

1920/21 Ashes

The 1920–21 Ashes series in Australia was historic as it marked the first-ever 5–0 whitewash in Test history. England, led by Johnny Douglas, toured Australia but were completely outclassed by Warwick Armstrong’s dominant home side.

Here are the key performers of the 1920/21 Ashes series in Australia (Australia won 5–0):

Australia

  • Warwick Armstrong (captain) – The standout all-rounder and leader. Scored 427 runs at an average of 71 (including crucial centuries) and took 14 wickets. His imposing presence defined the series.
  • Jack Gregory – The left-arm fast-bowling spearhead. Claimed 23 wickets in the series with raw pace and also contributed quick runs down the order.
  • Ted McDonald – Gregory’s pace partner. Took 23 wickets, forming one of the most feared opening bowling partnerships of the era.
  • Herbie Collins – Reliable top-order batsman, scored 324 runs, including match-winning innings in Melbourne and Sydney.
  • Charles Macartney – The dashing left-hander, made vital runs including a century in the first Test at Sydney.
  • Charlie Pellew & Bert Oldfield – Contributed with consistency in batting and keeping.

England

  • Jack Hobbs – The only English batsman to show consistent resistance, scoring 505 runs in the series (at 50.50).
  • Phil Mead – Provided some solidity with 356 runs, though often unsupported.
  • Wilfred Rhodes – The veteran all-rounder, contributed with 3 fifties and useful wickets.
  • Johnny Douglas (captain) – Struggled tactically against Armstrong; had little impact with bat or ball.

 

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