2006-07 Ashes Series

Lore & Background

The series was highly anticipated, with The Sydney Morning Herald calling it 'the most anticipated Ashes series ever'. Tickets sold out within days. Bookmakers heavily favored Australia, with odds of Australia 1–3, England 11–2, and the draw 9–1. Andrew Flintoff captained England in the absence of the injured Michael Vaughan. Marcus Trescothick left the squad due to a stress-related illness and was replaced by Ed Joyce. Damien Martyn retired during the series and was replaced by Adam Voges and Andrew Symonds. Ashley Giles left the tour to be with his wife, who had a brain tumour, and was replaced by Jamie Dalrymple.

In Their Own Story

The air at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was thick with humidity and anticipation as the sun beat down on the green turf. Dust kicked up from the pitch as Brett Lee ran in, his long stride carrying him toward the stumps like a predator. The crowd held its breath, knowing that one delivery could decide the fate of the Ashes. In that moment, history was not just being written; it was being forged in fire and sweat.

Reader's Guide

The five Tests were played at Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. Australia won the first Test by a large margin after declaring at 9/602 and bowling England out for 157. Ricky Ponting scored 196 in the first innings. Glenn McGrath took three early wickets on day two. The series was a 5–0 whitewash, the first since 1920–21.

Did You Know?

• The series was the first Ashes whitewash since 1920–21.
• Four significant Australian players retired after the series: Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Shane Warne, and Glenn McGrath.
• Ricky Ponting was named Player of the Series.
• Tickets for all games sold out within days of becoming available.
• Damien Martyn retired from all cricket on 8 December 2006, during the series.