From WWI (the first post-WWI series was played in 1920/21) onwards, Australia have won 23, England 13. 2 of these 13 were not worth a thing - 1932/33 because illicit tactics were used, and 1978/79 because England were Packer-depleted and Australia Packer-gutted. There are, however, admittedly 3 of Australia's victories which were similarly hollow, 1920/21, 1921 and 1946/47, as England's side had been decimated by first WWI then WWII.
Yep. Still think England dropping Hutton for one of those tests remains, despite some of the other selections of more recent decades, arguably the worst mistake by England selectors.As a percentage of the population, sure, but I'm pretty sure far more English top-level cricketers were lost than Australian ones.
As regards 1948, yeah, the country was very much still recovering, but in Hutton, Washbrook, Edrich, Compton, Yardley, Evans, Bedser and Laker England's side was very, very far from poor.
To answer that simple question, .....This is a chart of the all matches played between Australia and England up until 2005
My question is, was there a time when England were ahead in the lead in Ashes?