The Ashes takes place every two years and five test matches are played between England and Australia to decide the winners. In 2009 England won the series on home turf, defeating their rivals 2-1. Now it is Australia’s turn to host the event, as they look to reclaim the title they won in 2007, the last time it was played there.

England currently lead the 2010/11 series 1-0. Following a draw in the first test in Brisbane, a fantastic all-round display by England saw them beat the Aussies in the second test in Adelaide.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen scored a career best of 227 runs in the Adelaide test match as they went on to win by an innings and 71 runs. England declared on 620-5 during their first innings and the victory was secured when Australia were bowled out over their two innings for a total of 549.

Attention now turns to the third test in Perth, which starts on Thursday. The fourth test will be played in Melbourne, and the fifth test is in Sydney in early January 2011.

A victory in any of the three remaining test matches will be enough for England because even if they draw the series 2-2 with Australia, they would retain the Ashes as they are the current holders.