The Ashes 2002–03

Tournament Overview

Series Overview

The 2002–03 Ashes in Australia was a series remembered above all for Steve Waugh's farewell to the Ashes and one of cricket's most iconic centuries. Coming into the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground — his home ground — with questions being asked about his form and place in the team, Waugh walked to the wicket and played an innings that defined a career. On the last ball of day four, needing a boundary to bring up his century, he hit Steve Harmison through the covers to reach 100 not out. The crowd erupted; the selectors were silenced. Australia had already retained the Ashes by that point — the series result of 4-1 reflecting their utter dominance. Glenn McGrath's 28 wickets were the backbone of Australia's success: the tall pace bowler relentlessly targeted England's top-order technique and delivered at a miserly economy throughout. Matthew Hayden, the most destructive opening batsman in world cricket at the time, added to his growing legend with powerful contributions. For England, the series was another painful reminder of the wide gap between the nations — but Nasser Hussain's England had started to rebuild quietly, and the seeds of what would become the 2005 Ashes victory were beginning to germinate.

Key Highlights

• 1Australia won 4-1 to retain the Ashes — their seventh consecutive Ashes series win
• 2Steve Waugh's iconic SCG century — scoring his hundred on the last ball of day four — became one of cricket's defining moments
• 3Glenn McGrath took 28 wickets in the series, destroying England's top order with relentless precision
• 4Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting scored prolifically, setting up totals that England's attack could not defend
• 5England's only victory came at Melbourne, giving a glimpse of the fight that would emerge fully in 2005

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