Issue:   Australia’s Ashes Victory 2013/14

Type:   Stamp

Number of Stamps:   1

Stamps Denomination:   $2.60

Issue Date:   2014

Issued By:   Australia Post

About

Australia’s Ashes victory in the 2013/14 series was a dominant and historic win, often referred to as one of the most comprehensive performances in Ashes history. The 2013–14 Ashes series was held in Australia between November 21, 2013, and January 5, 2014. Australia won the series 5–0, reclaiming the Ashes after losing the previous three series to England.

Key Highlights of Australia:

Series Result:

Australia won all five Test matches, completing a 5–0 whitewash. This was the third time in Ashes history that Australia had whitewashed England, with previous clean sweeps occurring in 1920/21 and 2006/07.

Captaincy:

Michael Clarke led the Australian team to victory. His leadership, combined with the exceptional form of key players, was instrumental in the series win.

Star Performers:

Mitchell Johnson:

The standout player of the series was Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. He took an incredible 37 wickets at an average of 13.97, terrorizing the English batting line-up with his express pace and aggressive bowling. Johnson was named the Player of the Series for his extraordinary performance.

David Warner:

The Australian opener played key innings throughout the series, accumulating 523 runs at an average of 58.11, providing solid starts that set the tone for Australia’s dominance.

Brad Haddin:

The wicketkeeper-batsman had a crucial role, contributing heavily with the bat. He scored 493 runs at an average of 61.62, often rescuing Australia from difficult situations with important lower-order runs.

Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle:

Alongside Johnson, Harris and Siddle were formidable in the bowling attack, consistently putting pressure on the English batsmen.

England’s Struggles:

England, led by Alastair Cook, struggled throughout the series. Their batting line-up failed to deal with the pace and hostility of Mitchell Johnson, and their bowlers could not contain Australia’s batsmen. Senior players like Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott were unable to deliver as expected.

Jonathan Trott left the tour after the first Test due to a stress-related illness, further weakening England’s chances.

England’s bowling spearhead, James Anderson, and all-rounder Stuart Broad were ineffective compared to their usual standards, with Australia dominating both bat and ball in nearly every match.

The Five Test Matches:

1st Test (Brisbane):

Australia won by 381 runs. Johnson took 9 wickets, and David Warner and Michael Clarke scored centuries.

2nd Test (Adelaide):

Australia won by 218 runs. Johnson took 7/40 in the first innings, decimating England’s batting.

3rd Test (Perth):

Australia won by 150 runs, clinching the series and regaining the Ashes. Johnson continued his dominant bowling, and Steve Smith scored a century.

4th Test (Melbourne):

Australia won by 8 wickets, with Johnson again instrumental, taking key wickets.

5th Test (Sydney):

Australia completed the whitewash with a 281-run victory, with Ryan Harris and Johnson bowling out England cheaply.

Aftermath:

The series marked a turning point for Australian cricket, as they bounced back from their previous Ashes defeat in England earlier in 2013 (where they lost 3–0).

For England, the loss triggered significant changes in the team. Senior players like Graeme Swann retired during the series, and Kevin Pietersen’s international career ended soon after the Ashes.

Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson became national heroes, with Johnson’s fearsome bowling etched in Ashes folklore.

Australia’s Ashes victory in 2013/14 was a landmark moment, showcasing their revival as a cricketing powerhouse and solidifying their dominance over England in one of the oldest and most prestigious rivalries in sports.Top of Form