The Ashes 2006–07

Tournament Overview

Series Overview

If the 2005 Ashes was England's finest hour, the 2006-07 series in Australia was Australia's revenge — and it was absolute. England, arriving as Ashes holders for the first time in 18 years, were dismantled match by match across a five-Test series that Australia won without losing a single game. The opening Test in Brisbane set the tone: England bowled out for 157, Australian bowlers relentless. Adelaide produced one of the most dramatic Ashes collapses in history — England appeared to be saving the Test on the final day before Shane Warne's spin tore through their middle order. Australia won the Ashes back with a decisive Perth victory, before completing the whitewash at Melbourne and Sydney. For Australia, this was more than a cricket series — it was a statement that their 2005 defeat had been an aberration, not a shift in the balance of power. The series also marked the final chapter for four Australian greats: Shane Warne retired with 708 Test wickets, Glenn McGrath with 563, Justin Langer with 7,696 runs, and Damien Martyn in a surprise mid-series retirement. Warne, who had tormented England's batsmen for 15 years, bowled his final ball and took his last wicket — Andrew Flintoff, stumped by Gilchrist — in Sydney. The 2006-07 Ashes stands as one of the most dominant series wins in cricket history, and as the farewell stage for three of Australia's all-time greats.

Key Highlights

• 1Australia won 5-0 — swift and ruthless revenge for England's 2005 Ashes victory
• 2Shane Warne took his 700th Test wicket during the series and retired having played his final Test
• 3The series marked the retirements of Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, and Damien Martyn
• 4Ricky Ponting was named Player of the Series for his captaincy and batting contributions
• 5Warne's final wicket was Andrew Flintoff, stumped by Adam Gilchrist — a fitting end to a legendary career

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