First Ashes Test, Trent Bridge
England (215 and 375) defeated Australia (280 and 296) by 14 runs
England's first innings was restricted to a below-par 215 after Peter Siddle (5-50) wiped out the host's middle order. England appeared certain to claim a lead when Australia slumped to 9-117 on day two. But debutant number 11 Ashton Agar's record-breaking 98 handed the tourists an unlikely first innings lead – one they couldn't convert into victory after James Anderson (5-73) ensured Australia fell agonisingly short of their victory target on the final day.
MORE: First Ashes Test preview: Australia v England | What time does the first Ashes Test start?
Along with Agar's stunning knock, arguably the most dramatic Test in history will be remembered for its DRS controversies. Stuart Broad's infamous decision to stand his ground despite edging Agar to slip will be forever debated. It was then fitting that the DRS signalled Australia's eventual downfall, with Brad Haddin learning of his dismissal (caught behind 71) via an England referral the video umpire took an eternity to decipher.
Second Ashes Test, Lord's
England (361 and 7-349d) defeated Australia (128 and 235) by 347 runs
Australia's most embarrassing Test performance in decades in fact started with the tourists owning the first session. As Queen Elizabeth watched on, the recalled Ryan Harris (5-72) had England on the back foot at 3-28. But as soon as Her Majesty left the home of cricket it all fell apart for the Aussies as England recovered to post 361 thanks to Ian Bell's 109. In reply Australia crumbled to be all out for a pathetic 128 with Graeme Swann snaring 5-44 on a dry wicket.
MORE: Shane Watson ready to bowl in first Ashes Test | Matt Prior key for England, says Peter Moore
Joe Root (180) powered England's dominant second innings when 'mental disintegration' was the focus, and by the time they had declared, Australia faced the insurmountable target of 583. They managed less than half in an improved batting display. A series-ending injury to James Pattinson compounded one of Australia's most shameful modern Ashes defeats.
Third Ashes Test, Old Trafford
Australia (7-527d and 7-172d) drew with England (368 and 3-37)
A 219-run first innings partnership between Michael Clarke (187) and Steve Smith (89) powered Australia into a virtually unlosable position. In the reply, Kevin Pietersen brought down Australia's recalled off spinner Nathan Lyon on his way to 113 but England could only manage 368. The visitors shuffled their batting order and slapped up a hurried second innings to set England 332 for victory on the final day.
Predicted rain held off long enough for the hosts to slip to a nervy 3-37 inside the first session. But the heavens opened after lunch, denying Australia a shot a victory that would have kept the battle for the urn alive. Alastair Cook's team celebrated a third straight Ashes series win long into the night.
Fourth Ashes Test, Chester-le-Street
England (238 and 330) defeated Australia (270 and 224) by 74 runs. (68.3 ov, target: 299)
Nathan Lyon's 4-42 helped restrict England to 238 in the first innings at Durham and a maiden Chris Rogers century handed Australia another lead they would go on to surrender. A dominant Ian Bell (113) started England's fightback and Stuart Broad finished the job with a sensational six-wicket haul that left Michael Clarke's charges facing another gut-wrenching loss.
Needing 299 for victory, David Warner (71) and Chris Rogers (49) took Australia to a position of strength at 0-109. But once that stand was broken, the wickets all tumbled for 115 runs. Broad ended with match figures of 11-121.
Fifth Ashes Test, The Oval
Australia (9-492d and 6-111d) drew with England (377 and 5-206)
Australia had their fourth first innings lead of the series when Shane Watson (176) and Steve Smith (138 not out) belted centuries on a flat wicket. That prompted England to play for a draw as early as the second day and when day four was washed out, a result appeared impossible.
England grinded their way to 377 all out just after lunch on the fifth day. Australia added 6d-111 in less than two hours before declaring, setting England a target of 227 from 44 overs. The thrilling run chase controversially ended when play was called off due to bad light at 7.36pm, with England needing 21 runs from the final four overs after Kevin Pietersen (68 from 55 balls) almost delivered an unprecedented 4-0 Ashes victory.