Rating England's Test record against all Test-playing nations

Australia

Both captains Steven Smith and Joe Root are considered as part of the modern "Big Four" batsmen

Played – 346, Won – 108, Lost – 144, Drawn – 94, Win Percentage – 31.21%

It is rarely surprising that England have played more Test matches against Australia than any other nation – in fact, next on the list come the West Indies with less than half the number – and it also not surprising to see England have a slight disadvantage over their fiercest rivals.

Right since the days of the “Invincibles” and then on to Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson and company, Australia have maintained supremacy over England; but famously, the Englishmen went on to clinch three Ashes series in a row beginning 2009, then 2010-11 and also 2013.

Both incumbent captains, Joe Root and Steven Smith, are regarded as part of the “Fab Four” of modern batsmen, while Mitchell Starc, James Anderson and their respective pace bowling partners have kept alive both countries’ tradition of producing lethal pace bowlers.

The next Ashes is due for 2019, but until then, Australia will remain in possession of the urn courtesy of a 4-0 win Down Under in 2017-18.