This is the first part in a series recounting the 2005 Ashes, as it occurred a decade ago.

2015 marks a decade since England and Australia met in arguably the most dramatic series of their historic Ashes rivalry. England are often considered the founders of cricket as we know it, and have historically not been humble about this. Australia, meanwhile, have relished the chance to not just get the better of their “big brother” in meetings, they would rout England if the opportunity arose.

From 1989 to 2003, those opportunities came more often than not. After England lifted the urn in 1987, Australia went on a tear over the next decade-plus. They were unquestionably the greatest team in the world, putting up merciless performances against all opponents, but it was the Ashes they wanted to win the most. Against their bitter archrivals, the Aussies were relentless in their pursuit of victory, often clinching a series long before the final Test. By the mid-2000s, England fans became almost accustomed to the regular losses every two years or so.

When Australia arrived in England for the 2005 series, very few predicted a change from prior series. The visitors had a battle-tested, veteran squad, many of them hoping for one last Ashes win abroad before their individual careers came to an end. England, meanwhile, had a rather young squad, most of them untested against the greatest cricket team in a generation. What followed over the next month-and-a-half was a magical experience that no one associated with the sport – player, coach, or fan – will forget anytime soon.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting summaries on the events of those 22 days, from July 21 to September 12. From England’s magnificent first day at Lord’s; to Geraint Jones’ dive at Edgbaston; to Ricky Ponting’s defiant century at Old Trafford; to Ponting’s rant at Trent Bridge; climaxing with Kevin Pietersen’s ton at the Oval, ending nearly two decades of heartache for England.

Welcome to Ashes Rewind! Enjoy reliving the greatest Test cricket series in the sport’s modern history!