Legends of the Ashes

8. English Conquerors

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Episode notes

England planned their 2010/11 campaign in Australia, where they had not won a series for 25 years, with military precision.

The strategy of captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower was based on patience, stamina, consistency and making mountains of runs.

The Ashes were sealed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when England bowled Australia out for 98 on Boxing Day in front of 90,000 Australians.

Key participants Andrew Strauss and Graeme Swann explain how it was done and why it had nothing to do with a military-style bootcamp in a German forest shortly before the series started.

We also learn how the team’s signature celebration, the 'sprinkler dance' was born on the dance floor of an Australian nightclub.