The Coronation Ashes of 1953 was memorable from an English perspective. After a 19-year absence – albeit prolonged because of the Second World War in the middle – they finally regained the Ashes.
The series began at Trent Bridge in a low-scoring match affected by rain. Australia batted first and made 249, largely due to 115 from Neil Harvey, although a late collapse saw them lose their last seven wickets for just 12 runs. Alec Bedser took 7-55. England, though, were bundled out for just 144, Ray Lindwall with 5-57.
The second time round, despite Arthur Morris making 60, Australia were all out for 123, Bedser continuing his fine form with 7-44 this time round. But chasing 229 to win, England reached 120/1 when the time ran out, and they had to settle for a draw.
Tradition dictated that the second Test should be played at Lord’s. Again Australia batted after winning the toss. Captain Lindsay Hassett made 104, while 76 from Alan Davidson helped them to 346. Bedser added five more wickets to his statistics.
In reply, Len Hutton – the first professional cricketer to lead England – made 145, while Tom Graveney made 78 and Denis Compton 57 out of a total of 372. Lindwall took 5-66.
Batting again, Keith Miller’s 109 and Morris’ 89 helped Australian to reach 368. That left England needing 342, but, despite 109 from Watson, time ran out on them once more, and the draw was declared with them on 282/7 in their second innings.
Weather was again to deny England the chance of victory in the third Test, at Old Trafford.
Australia again won the toss and batted first, 122 from Harvey and 66 from Graeme Hole helping them to 318, with Bedser picking up another five wickets. In reply, England were dismissed for 276, Hutton top-scoring with 66.
Then Australia were in all sorts of trouble in their second innings, slumping to 35/8 before stumps were declared.
England had largely had the better of the series to date, but the boot was on the other foot in the fourth Test at Headingley.
Australia again won the toss, but this time decided to field first. And they were rewarded when the home side was bowled out for just 167, Lindwall this time with 5-54. Graveney top-scored for England with 55. Harvey’s 71 and Hole’s 53 enabled Australia to bat themselves into a first-innings lead of 99 as they finished on 266.
In their second innings, England did better, making 275, Bill Edrich with 64 and Compton 61.
However, needing 177, Australia were well on track at 147/4, when time once again intervened, this time to save the English.
And all this meant the fate of the series and the Ashes rested on the outcome of the fifth Test, at The Oval.
Yet again Australia won the toss, and this time they chose to bat. They were 160/7 when No. 9 Lindwall came out to bat. He made 62 to help his side close on 275. England, though, were able to establish a small lead, making 302 in reply, Hutton with 82 and Bailey 64.
In Australia’s second innings, Ron-Archer top scored with 49, but Tony Lock took 5-45 and Jim Laker 4-75, as Australia were bowled out for 162.
That meant England needed 132 to win. They got there for the loss of just two wickets, with an unbeaten 55 from Edrich shepherding them to their target, triggering wild celebrations from the home fans.