By the time that it came to the fifth Test, in Adelaide, Australian morale was already at a low ebb. They were already three one down in the series so the chance of regaining the Ashes was gone.
And, with the brand of cricket on offer generally regarded as slow and boring, many paying spectators and television viewers had migrated to watching World Series Cricket instead, where they could watch many of the stars who used to play for them.
The Adelaide Test was another salutary lesson, although it started well enough for Australia, who won the toss and put England in. At 27/5 England were on the ropes, but Ian Botham got a typically belligerent 74, helping them close on 169. Rodney Hogg was the leading bowler with 4-26.
Botham then starred with the ball, taking 4-42, and helping restrict the Australians to just 164.
England batted much better second time round, led by wicketkeeper Bob Taylor’s 97, well supported by 64 from Geoff Miller and 49 from Geoff Boycott.
That left Australia chasing 366 to win. But, despite 46 from Kim Hughes, the task proved well beyond them. They were dismissed for just 160, slumping to a 205-run defeat.
What had been a miserable series for Australia ended on another sour note with another heavy defeat in the sixth Test, in Sydney, despite captain Graham Yallop winning Player of the match award for his 121 in their first innings. The problem was that only one other player got into double figures, as Australia were bowled out for 198. With 4-57, Botham again the leading wicket-taker.
England then batted themselves into a strong position by making 306 in reply, Graham Gooch scoring 74 and David Gower 65.
In their second innings, Bruce Yardley made an unbeaten 61, but another dismal batting performance meant they were all out for 143, Miller claiming 5-44 and John Emburey 4-52 as the English spinners had a field day.
That left England needing just 34 to win, and they got there for the loss of just one wicket.
England had won the series by five matches to one.