2013-14 Ashes: Australia's 5-0 Revenge Whitewash
Australia inflicted a 5-0 Ashes whitewash on England in 2013-14 — revenge for four consecutive series losses. Mitchell Johnson's pace and aggression destroyed England's batting in every Test.
The 2013-14 Ashes in Australia produced one of the most emphatic series reversals in cricket history. Just three months after England had beaten Australia 3-0 at home, Australia overwhelmed them 5-0 in return. Mitchell Johnson was the difference — his pace, hostility, and accuracy destroyed England's batting lineup from the first day in Brisbane.
Mitchell Johnson's Resurrection
Johnson had been mocked by English fans during the 2009 series — 'he bowls to the left, he bowls to the right, that Mitchell Johnson, his bowling is shite' was sung from the Barmy Army. By 2013-14 he was a different bowler: left-arm at 148-152 kph, targeting the body on the WACA, Gabba, and Adelaide pitches. He took 37 wickets in the series at 13.97 — the most destructive bowling performance in an Ashes series in the modern era.
England's Batting Collapse
England's batters — Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, and Jonny Bairstow — had no answer to the pace and bounce. Jonathan Trott left the tour early citing stress-related illness. Graeme Swann retired mid-tour. The senior players who had won four consecutive series were visibly broken by the pressure Johnson applied every session.
Brisbane: England Swept Away in the First Test
Johnson was given the Gabba's fast surface and attacked England's top order with a short-ball barrage. England were 136/9 in their first innings before a last-wicket stand briefly gave them respectability. Johnson bowled at 150 kph and above, hitting gloves, ribs, and helmets. Australia won by 381 runs. The template for the series was set in the first three days.
Ryan Harris and the Supporting Cast
Ryan Harris took 22 wickets in four Tests before injury forced him out of the fifth. Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon provided tight support. Michael Clarke led Australia with tactical intelligence, setting aggressive fields and rotating bowlers to maintain pressure. Australia's batting — led by Clarke (148 at Adelaide), David Warner, and Brad Haddin — supported the bowlers consistently.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2013-14 Ashes?
Australia won 5-0 — the second Ashes whitewash in seven years. Mitchell Johnson took 37 wickets at 13.97, the series' dominant performer.
What happened to England after 2013-14?
England's senior players were decimated. Graeme Swann retired during the tour, Jonathan Trott left early with illness, and Kevin Pietersen was dropped after the series. Andy Flower resigned as coach. It was the end of an era for England cricket.
How many wickets did Mitchell Johnson take in 2013-14?
Johnson took 37 wickets at an average of 13.97 across five Tests — the most destructive Ashes bowling performance since the 1950s.