Having been thrashed in the last Ashes series, England were desperately seeking revenge when Australia visited in the summer of 2009.
However, they narrowly avoided beginning the Series with a defeat in the first Test match, played in Cardiff.
England who won the toss, batted, and acquitted themselves well by making 435. Kevin Pietersen scored 69, Paul Collingwood 64, and Matt Prior 56.
However, Australia then showed them how it should be done. Simon Katich (122) and captain Ricky Ponting (150) put on 239 for the second wicket, and Michael Clarke scored 83. And then Marcus North and Brad Haddin came together in a stand of 200. Haddin was dismissed for 121 and North was 125 not out when the innings was declared on 674/6.
Due to rain, several hours play on Days 3 and 4 were lost. England had reasons to be grateful for that fact as well as the heroics of their last-wicket pair of James Anderson and Monty Panesar when they batted for the second time.
Needing 239 just to make Australia bat again, they were 233 when the ninth wicket fell. However, they defied the Australian fast bowlers for almost 12 overs to force a draw.
England had not won an Ashes test at Lord’s since 1934, but they at last put that right in the second Test match, despite weather again playing its part.
Once more they batted after winning the toss. Their opening pair of captain Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook shared a partnership of 196, until Cook fell for 95. Strauss went on to make 161, helping England close on 425.
They then managed to bowl out Australia for just 215, despite 51 from Michael Hussey, Anderson taking four wickets.
England chose not to enforce the follow on but batted again. Prior and Collingwood both made half centuries before they decided to declare on 311/6.
Australia were set 522 to win, a task that proved beyond them, although they have it a very good go.
Michael Clarke made 136, Haddin 80, and Mitchell Johnson, but the best the Australians could manage was 406.
England had won by 115 runs.