5 of the lowest points for Australia in Ashes history

#4 4th Test, Melbourne, 1986

Botham in action

When England arrived in Australia for the Ashes in 1986, the hosts were at their weakest, still in the process of rebuilding under Allan Border, following high profile retirements. England won the 1st Test match at Brisbane, while the next two at Perth and Adelaide ended as draws.

When the teams arrived in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test match, Australia needed to avoid defeat in order to keep the series alive. However, the Test match was pretty much decided on the first morning after England sent the hosts in to bat.

Fast bowler Gladstone Small and Ian Botham combined to take 5 wickets each as Australia were shot out for 141 in the space of 54.4 overs. England responded with 349 and then Australia were once again dismissed cheaply, this time for 194, to lose the Test by an innings and 14 runs.

It was one of the lowest points for the young team as they lost an Ashes series at home. However, they recovered and went on to win the 5th Test at Sydney to restore some pride.