By Admin 
The Ashes series is considered to be the most exciting series of Test cricket. Cricket lovers around the world wait for the series to be held once in two years between Australia and England. The next edition (2025-26) of this series, which is being played since 1882-83, is starting from 21 November in Perth. Before starting the series, let us take a look at Ashes 2005. After losing 8 consecutive Ashes, England stopped Australia’s victory chariot by registering victory on their own soil in 2005.
Sometimes England and sometimes Australia have been defeating each other in the Ashes. Often both countries prevail over the other on their own soil. The Ashes 1986–87 was played in Australia. England had won 2-1 in this series. This victory of England on Australian soil was bold and memorable. But after this series, Australia made it impossible for England to win the Ashes. Whether the series was in Australia or England, Australia remained the winner.
Australia defeated England in the Ashes series 8 consecutive times in 1989, 1990-91, 1993, 1994-95, 1997, 1998-99, 2001, 2002-03. England was looking for a captain and team that could win back the Ashes and restore its lost prestige. This opportunity came in the Ashes 2005.
In 2005, Australia under the captaincy of Ricky Ponting reached England for a 5-Test series. England, under the captaincy of Michael Vaughan, was desperate to get the Ashes title back on their soil. But in the first Test played at Lord’s, Australia won by 239 runs. After this defeat, once again England was in danger of losing the series.
In the second test, England made a strong comeback and leveled the series 1-1 by defeating Australia by 2 runs in a thrilling match played in Birmingham. The third match played in Manchester was a draw.
England took a 2-1 lead in the series by winning the fourth Test played in Nottingham by 3 wickets. The fifth Test played at The Oval was a draw and with this England won the series 2-1.
Andrew Flintoff emerged as a hero with ball and bat in the series for England. Flintoff scored 402 runs and took 24 wickets. For England, Kevin Pietersen scored 473 runs and opener Marcus Trescothick scored 431 runs. Andrew Strauss played a big role in the historic victory by scoring 393 runs and captain Miles Vaughan scored 326 runs. Australia’s Shane Warne and Andrew Flintoff, who took 40 wickets, were the players of the series.