2010-11 Ashes: England Win in Australia at Last

England had not won a Test series in Australia since 1986-87. After regaining the Ashes at home in 2009 under Andrew Strauss, England travelled to defend them in Australia in 2010-11. Andy Flower's coaching had transformed the side's preparation and fitness. The result was England's finest overseas Test series performance in a generation — 3-1.

Alastair Cook's Dominant Series

Alastair Cook scored 766 runs in the series at an average of 127.66 — including back-to-back centuries in the series-opening Brisbane Test, a double century at Adelaide, and another century at Perth. Cook's ability to occupy the crease, build large scores, and deny the Australian attack any wicket at the top of the order was the foundation of every England victory.

Brisbane: Drew — and England Were the Better Side

The first Test at the Gabba drew — Australia's unbeaten home record at that ground had stretched for decades. England, following on after a first innings deficit, survived through Paul Collingwood and Alastair Cook partnerships. The draw felt like a win for England. Momentum was with them.

Adelaide: England's Statement

England won the Adelaide Test by an innings and 71 runs — their first win at Adelaide Oval in over 20 years. Cook scored 148 and 235 (in two innings combined with the Perth follow-up); Graeme Swann's off-spin was unplayable on the third day. Australia were dismissed for 245 and 304. The innings win signalled that this England side had the quality to win the series.

The Turning Point: Perth

Australia won at the WACA by 267 runs — their only series win. Mitchell Johnson, back in form on his home ground, took 6/38 in England's second innings. England's batters, facing genuine pace for the first time in the series, were unprepared for the bounce. But England regrouped.

Melbourne and Sydney: England Seal the Series

England won at the MCG by an innings and 157 runs and at the SCG by an innings and 83 runs. Jonathan Trott's obdurate batting complemented Cook's run-scoring. James Anderson took match-winning wickets with the old ball, reversing skilfully in Australian conditions that usually nullify English swing. England won 3-1 — ending 24 years of Ashes failures in Australia.