Britain in 1926 was a troubled country. Revolution was in the air as the catastrophic
after-effects of the First World War continued. A General Strike in May soon ended, but it left a legacy of
bitterness and recrimination. Millions of workers across many industries were sacked or locked out, and
coal mining came to a standstill. Poverty was widespread, but it lived alongside plenty.
Against this backdrop Australia's cricketers arrived to defend the Ashes that they had won decisively in all
three series since the war. Cricket in England, like everything else, was still recovering after the conflict.
The whole population was desperate for success as interest in the matches transcended class and status.
At every venue crowds queued all night to watch the Tests. They were rewarded with great individual
performances from some of the greatest players of all time - and it all went down to the wire. The Ashes
depended on the final Fifth Test, to be played to a finish. The country held its collective breath.

Stephen Brenkley is former cricket correspondent of The Independent On Sunday and
The Independent. He lives in Barnard Castle where he is president of the town's cricket club.