2021-22 Ashes: Australia's 4-0 Winter Win
Australia won the 2021-22 Ashes 4-0 in Australia, with Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Mitchell Starc dismantling England's batting in every Test. Scott Boland's debut figures of 6/7 at the MCG were historic.
The 2021-22 Ashes in Australia was played during the Covid-19 era with players, family, and staff in biosecure bubbles for weeks at a time. England, depleted by withdrawals before the tour began, competed better than many feared — but Australia, led by Pat Cummins in his first series as Test captain, won 4-0.
Pat Cummins Takes the Captaincy
Tim Paine had resigned as captain on the eve of the series amid a personal controversy. Cummins was appointed — the first fast bowler to captain Australia in decades. He took 21 wickets in the series and led tactically with intelligence beyond his captaincy experience. David Warner, Josh Hazlewood, and Cummins formed a three-pronged pace attack of genuine quality.
Scott Boland's MCG Record
Playing his first Test at the MCG on Boxing Day — his home ground — Scott Boland took 6/7 in 4 overs in England's second innings. His figures are the best ever by a bowler on debut in Ashes history and the most economical multi-wicket spell in Test history on a ground that had hosted Test cricket for 140 years. Boland — a proud Wiradjuri man — received a standing ovation from 80,000 at the MCG. England were bowled out for 68.
Boland's Astonishing Spell
Boland bowled relentlessly straight and full at a good length, taking advantage of MCG's end-of-day pitch deterioration. He bowled Zak Crawley with the first ball of his spell. Then Jos Buttler edged to second slip. Then Mark Wood played around a straight delivery. The scoreboard ticked from 8 wickets to 10. Boland's 6/7 became the best figures ever taken in an Ashes Test on MCG and was shown on social media globally within minutes.
England's Selection Challenges
England suffered pre-tour withdrawals from Jofra Archer (injured), Ollie Robinson (fitness), Sam Billings, and others uncertain about touring during a pandemic. The batting lacked experience in Australian conditions. Only Joe Root — who scored 322 runs in the Brisbane Test alone — competed at the highest level consistently. Root's personal form was brilliant; England's collective performance was not.
Series Summary
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | The Gabba | Australia win by 9 wickets |
| 2nd | Adelaide Oval | Australia win by 275 runs |
| 3rd | MCG | Australia win by an innings and 14 runs |
| 4th | Sydney SCG | Drawn |
| 5th | Optus Stadium Perth | Australia win by 146 runs |
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2021-22 Ashes?
Australia won 4-0. The series was played during Covid-19 restrictions, with England managing one draw at the SCG. Pat Cummins captained Australia in his first Test series as skipper.
What were Scott Boland's figures on debut?
Boland took 6/7 in 4 overs on his Test debut at the MCG on Boxing Day 2021, bowling England out for 68 in their second innings. These are the best figures ever by a debutant in an Ashes match.
Why did England have weakened team in 2021-22?
Several players withdrew before the tour due to Covid-19 biosecure bubble concerns and injuries, including Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, and others. England competed at reduced strength throughout.