The Ashes Series of 1978/79 was overshadowed by Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket, which was established in direct competition to it and, after a slow start, began to gripped the attention of the Australian public.
It also meant that both teams were weakened. Players who might normally have been expected to play were banned from representing their countries.
Australia, though, were more weakened of the two sides, with Graham Yallop assuming the captaincy in the absence of Greg Chappell.
The 1-5 defeat Australia suffered in the series, combined with the serious financial situation they faced, eventually forced the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) to open discussions with Packer, and ultimately give him virtually everything he had been demanding in the first place.
The one for what was to come was set in the first test, in Brisbane.
Yallop won the toss and opted to bat, but the decision backfired badly as Australia were bowled out for 116, Bob Willis taking 4-44 and Ian Botham 3-40. England then batted themselves into a strong position, making 286, Derek Randall top-scoring with 75, while both Botham and David Gower make solid contributions with the bat.
Australia did much better second time round, thanks to a third-wicket partnership of 170 between Yallop and Kim Hughes, both of whom made centuries. But their total of 339 meant that England needed 170 to win, a target they reached for the loss of three wickets, Player of the Match Randall making an unbeaten 74.
England followed that up with an equally convincing win In the second Test, in Perth.
Australia again won the toss, but this time they inserted England into bat first. At 3/2, and 41/3, it looked to be a sound choice, but Geoff Boycott led the recovery with 77. Gower then made 102, helping them post 309.
In reply, Peter Toohey made an unbeaten 81, but he lacked support as Australia was bowled out for 190, Willis taking 5-44.
Australia then had some success with the ball, bowling England out in their second innings for 208, Rodney Hogg leading the way with 5-57.
But requiring 328 to level the series, Australia were bowled out instead for just 161, despite opener Graeme Wood’s 64. John Lever took 4-28 as England won by 166 runs.