The summer of 1912 saw the first ever tri-nation series, involving South Africa as well, the only other nation playing Test cricket at the time.
What few could have anticipated at the time was that this would be the last time England and Australia would play each other for over eight years, with the First World War subsequently halting international cricket.
England dominated South Africa, as did Australia in one of the wettest summers. That meant that the destiny of the series came down to the three matches that also counted towards the Ashes.
The pair first met at Lord’s in June, but the match was badly affected by weather. Much of the first day was lost but when England batted. They declared on 310/7, Jack Hobbs making 107. Australia reached 282/7 in reply, Charlie Macartney scoring 90, until rain brought a premature end to proceedings.
It was much the same story in the second meeting between the sides, this time at Old Trafford, Manchester. Less than a hundred overs were played over three days. England won the toss and made 203, Wilfred Rhodes scoring 92. There was only time for Australia to make 14 in reply before the match was called-off.
The final Test in the series at The Oval was played as a timeless Test to ensure that the tournament had a definite winner. England won the toss and chose to bat. Hobbs top-scored with 66 out of 245, while Roy Minnett took 4-35. In reply, Australia were bowled out for only 111, despite a defiant 43 from Charles Kellaway, Frank Woolley taking 5-29 and Sydney Barnes 5-30.
England, batting for s second time, were dismissed for 175, captain C.B. Fry making 76 of them, whilst Gerry Hazlitt returned figures of 7-25.
But, set 310 to win, Australia crumbled to 65, Wooley with 5-20 this time, and Harry Dean 4-19.
England won the match by 244 runs, retained the Ashes and also won the triangular series into the bargain.