Official MCC framed 2005 Ashes photograph & series summary

Prior to the 2005 Ashes series, England had lost by more than one match in all but one of the Ashes series played, since Australia began their winning streak in 1989. During that period, Australia were the pre-eminent side in the world, while England had dropped from being the top-rated in 1981 to sixth for much of the 1990s, reaching a low point in 1999 when a series loss to New Zealand left them bottom of the unofficial world rankings. 

However, since the 2002–03 series, England had improved from fifth place in the official rankings, to second. Australia were still number 1 but England had won 14 and lost only one of their 18 previous Test matches, and had won six series in a row. Despite that record, before the First Test some Australians, including fast bowler Glenn McGrath said a 5–0 series win for Australia was a serious possibility.

On the day after the series it was "hailed as the most thrilling series ever". Three matches in particular were very closely fought: one was decided by a two-run margin, another drawn with only one wicket remaining, and one won by three wickets. The outcome of the contest was not decided until the last day of the series.

Australia won the first Test comfortably, but in the second Test at Edgbaston, considered to be one of the greatest of all time, England levelled the series with a two-run victory, the narrowest win in Ashes history. The third Test ended in a draw (with England one wicket away from a win), and England won the fourth Test at Trent Bridge by three wickets in a chase of 129, after England had enforced the follow-on after gaining a first innings lead of 259. 

The fifth and final Test started on 8 September, at the Oval. It entered its final day with England batting in their second innings, 40 runs ahead with nine wickets in hand. Australia needed a win to force a 2–2 series draw and retain the Ashes; any other result would give the Ashes to England and end 16 years and eight series of Australian dominance. After a day of fluctuating fortunes, England established a lead of 341 after Kevin Pietersen's maiden century of 158 runs, and Australia batted for one over before bad light stopped play, and the match was declared a draw, ensuring the return of the Ashes to England.