The Australian team, for the 1961 Ashes tour to England, was led by all-rounder Richie Benaud. The tour was a five-Test series, with Test matches played at Edgbaston, Lord's, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval. Australia won the series 2-1 to retain The Ashes.

The decisive moment in the series was in the 4th Test at Old Trafford. The series was locked at 1-1 after three Tests. On the final morning, England was in the driving seat, with Australia nine wickets down and only 162 ahead. Australia's last-wicket pair of Alan Davison and Graham McKenzie added 98 more runs to extend their lead. In England's run chase, a bright 76 from Ted Dexter got them into a winning position. Enter Richie Benaud who tore through the English batting to finish with 6-70, steering his side to a famous 54-run victory to retain the Ashes.

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