4) The Oval 1953 – 20 years of hurt is enough:

After four draws it was the turf of the Oval which provided England with a much awaited and anticipated return of the longed for Ashes in 1953.

England were able to put forward a sublime top six as good as they had ever fielded – Len Hutton (captain), Bill Edrich, Peter May, Denis Compton, Tom Graveney and Trevor Bailey – against Australia’s great opening pair of fast-bowlers, Ray Lindwall and Keith Miller. Surrey’s twin spinners Jim Laker and Tony Locke provided a great display of bowling taking 9 wickets between them as Australia were bowled out for 162.

Locke’s technique was however criticised by Aussie captain Lindsay Hassett who, after complimenting England on their win, said in a slightly spiteful manner “even though Lockie threw us out.” proving his disapproval of the Englishman’s bowling action. England were left with chasing 132.

However It was not long before they achieved their target just after lunch on the fourth day thanks to a Compton boundary leading to the winning striker of the ball being engulfed by an ecstatic crowd. England won by an unbelievable eight wickets seeing the return of the much coveted prize.