England in Australia, 1998-99

Man of the match, SCG MacGill celebrates another England wicket Photo © AFP, 1998

Like 1997, Mark Taylor's Australians were dominant - but like 1997, they dropped their guard often enough to keep the interest alive. Alec Stewart's Englishmen were saved from defeat in Brisbane by a ferocious last-day thunderstorm. No such luck in Perth where they were obliterated in two and a half days. When Peter Such fell leg before to Glenn McGrath at Adelaide the Ashes were retained before Christmas. Steve Waugh rescued Australia from batting collapse in this series several times. Michael Slater's three second innings centuries all set up unbeatable leads, while Stuart MacGill showed that Shane Warne - unavailable till the last Test - was not missed. For England it was the bowlers who provided the only joy, especially Dean Headley - who spearheaded an amazing 12-run win at Melbourne - and Darren Gough, whose hat-trick in Sydney was like something out of a dream. Australia was presented for the first time with a new crystal replica of the Ashes urn, theirs to hold until England can win it back - and that won't happen until the next millenium