Unusually and famously, the Ashes of 1970/71 comprised of seven as opposed to the usual five, or even six, Test matches. The tour also featured the first ever one-day international. Just like the first Test match between the two sides, Australia won this one too, on home soil.
The first three matches in the series were all drawn, although the third Test match, in Melbourne was abandoned without a ball being bowled, after heavy rain rendered the outfield unplayable.
At the time some commentators declared that a merciful relief after two Test matches noted more for their dullness than the excitement on offer.
The series had begun at the Gabba in Brisbane where Australia won the toss and batted on a good wicket. Keith Stackpole made 207, despite continually being on the verge of running himself out, and Doug Walters 112, while Ian Chappell scored 59. There was little in it for the bowlers but John Snow still managed to take 6-114.
England responded in kind with a dogged batting performance, with John Edrich, Brian Luckhurst, Alan Knott, and Basil D’Oliveira all scoring in excess of 50. They closed on 464, with a small first-innings lead.
Batting again, captain Bill Lawry’s 84 helped Australia to 214, but there was just time for England to reach 39/1 in their second innings when the match ended.
It was over to the other side of the country for the second Test, in Perth, but that too was destined to end in a draw.
This time England batted first, having won the toss, and they established a good platform for themselves by making 397, Luckhurst making 131 and Geoff Boycott 70. ‘Garth’ McKenzie took 4-66 for the home team.
In reply, Redpath’s 171 and Greg Chappell’s 108, and a 56 from his elder brother Ian, helped Australia close on 440.
In their second innings, Edrich led the way with England with an unbeaten 115, whilst Boycott made 60 this time round, enabling the tourists to declare on 287/6.
Australia, though, were able to salvage the draw.