The first Test of the subsequent tour had the answer and it is unlikely that anyone will ever match the immediate impact that RE Foster made on Test cricket.

He made a world record score of 287 on his debut and helped England to 577 all out, the then highest total in Test cricket.

In the process he became the first man to share three century partnerships in one innings, the last of which, the 10th wicket with Wilfred Rhodes, remains an English record to this day.

But Australia played their part in the contest to the full as well.

Monty Noble scored his only Test ton on his debut as captain.

And Victor Trumper's highest Ashes score came after he fell to Edward Arnold's first ball in Test cricket in the first innings.

But when Trumper ran out of partners, England were left to chase a total of 194.

They won with five wickets in hand, but Australians were left wondering what might have been had Frank Laver not dropped George Hirst at 83-4.