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England don’t often taste Ashes glory on Australian soil, which is exactly why their triumph at Brisbane’s old Exhibition Ground in the opening Test of the 1928–29 series stands out so vividly. On this day, nearly a century ago, Australia began the final morning at 17 for 1, staring at an impossible target of 742. What followed was a total collapse of resolve. They mustered only 66 runs, offering little resistance as England wrapped up a commanding victory.
A young Don Bradman, making his Test debut, endured a forgettable start to what would become a legendary career. Scores of 18 and 1 saw him dropped for the only time in his international life—a detail that feels almost surreal in hindsight. At the other end of the spectrum was Harold Larwood, who seemed to do everything except sell tickets to the match. He contributed vital runs with innings of 70 and 37, then tore through Australia with match figures of 8 for 62. England rode that momentum all the way to a 4–1 series win.
And if you’re wondering about that rather curious second image, it features players from both sides, including Sir Don Bradman and Wally Hammond, relaxing on a Queensland beach with their partners. A rare, carefree snapshot from a fiercely contested Ashes summer.
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