Mike Gatting on the Ashes: How Can England Emerge Victorious in Australia?

The ball soared off Merv Hughes’ bat and into the safe hands of Gladstone Small: a comfortable catch met with rapturous English applause. England had won the Ashes in Melbourne.

That was the Boxing Day Test of 1986, the last time England claimed Ashes victory on Australian soil. Nearly forty years on, no team has matched the feat, but could this be the year it all changes? A certain ex-England captain believes it could.

In this exclusive interview, captain of that famous 1986 side Mike Gatting OBE sat down with us to reflect on the challenges of captaining a team to Ashes victory, share his views on England's chances this year, and reveal what he’s most looking forward to off the field in Australia ahead of hosting our Official Licensed Ashes Tour.

With places now extremely limited, don’t miss the chance to follow England Down Under and experience it all with cricketing royalty at your side.

Mike, looking back to the Ashes series you won as England captain, which moment on the field best crystallises the challenge of leading the Ashes as captain?

“Arriving in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test in 1986, our fast bowler, Graham Dilley, came to me just twenty minutes before the toss and said his knee wasn’t fit enough to play.

After consulting with our manager, Mickey Stewart, we had a tough call to make between Gladstone Small and Neil Foster. Both had performed very well in the warm-up match, so there wasn’t much to separate them.

We put our faith in Gladstone, and he went on to take five wickets in Melbourne. It was a difficult decision. As captain, having to make a last-minute call under pressure to replace someone who had been so important to us throughout the series really crystallised the challenge of leading England in the Ashes.”

What’s the single biggest decision you made in that series that you still reflect on today?

“Whilst replacing Graham Dilley was a big call, I think the biggest decision I made in Australia was changing our wicketkeeper to Jack Richards ahead of the first Test.

Bruce French had travelled as our number one, but given the batsmen weren’t getting many runs, we felt Jack might offer a bit more with the bat. Although he started with a duck in the first Test, he scored 133 in the second and kept exceptionally well throughout the tour.

It was another example of making a decision to try and benefit the team and hoping it pays off.”

Aside from winning the series, what’s your fondest memory of that Ashes campaign?

“We didn’t start the tour as well as we’d have liked — two draws and one win. We were 1–0 up when the team’s families arrived for Christmas. It was fantastic to see everyone, and we celebrated with a fancy dress party.

Unfortunately, my family was unable to come out for Christmas. But to my surprise, I received a call from Noel Edmonds on the Christmas Morning with Noel television programme, who put me on the phone with my wife and children to wish me a Merry Christmas and good luck for the rest of the series from London’s Post Office Tower.

It was a lovely day for all of us, and it put us in a great frame of mind to go on and win the Ashes.”

Australia is a wonderful cricket destination; how do you think it will rank amongst the other places you’ve visited on Spectate cricket tours?

“I expect this to rank among the best cricket tours I’ve been on. I’ve toured New Zealand and the West Indies twice with Spectate, and all four were exceptional.

New Zealand was particularly special, as I hadn’t been for such a long time — the scenery and the people made it truly memorable. The West Indies was also a dream, not least because of the weather, and I’ve always felt a genuine affinity with the West Indian people.

Australia holds a lot of history for me. I went out to Sydney to play cricket for three years when I was 24, and the feeling when an Ashes Series is on is like nowhere else. The Aussies live and breathe cricket, and whenever England tour Down Under for the Ashes, there’s a truly palpable intensity.

As a cricketer and now a fan, Australia is always a series you want to be part of. It really is a special place for a cricket tour.”

From your experience, what sets Spectate tours apart?

“The quality of organisation, attention to detail, and variety of tailored excursions really set Spectate apart as a premium sports travel company.

Even on days off, the trips are thoughtfully planned to be interesting and enjoyable for everyone, with a range of options to suit different interests. The team always goes the extra mile to make sure the tour is the best it can possibly be.”

Thinking of joining us in Australia?

We'd love to see you cheering on England with Mike Gatting on our Official Ashes Tour. With very limited spaces remaining, get in touch today to secure your spot.

Off the pitch, what are you looking forward to the most about this Ashes Series?

“Our trip down Margaret River in Perth is going to be fabulous. I’ve been once or twice before, and it’s a standout region with beautiful caves, breathtaking scenery and top-notch wine tasting.

Drifting along the river in Byron Bay will be another highlight, as will catching up with the winemakers among the rolling vineyards of the Barossa Valley.”

Our Ashes tour guests will be treated to your knowledge of Australian wines. Which vintages are you most looking forward to sampling on tour?

“With Australian wines, it’s not necessarily about the vintages. While the older wines are always a delight, the vineyards are constantly producing new and interesting varieties. You always end up discovering something you haven’t tried before.

I’m sure learning how the winemakers perfect their craft will be fascinating — and I hope it’s just as interesting to everyone else as it is to me.

As for my favourite wines, you’ll have to wait and find out when we’re on tour!”

Which cricket ground are you most looking forward to revisiting, and why?

“Without a doubt, the Adelaide Oval. The sails are iconic, and I’ve always loved how the city is so green with lots of parks and dotted with beautiful church spires. I’m also keen to see if the party atmosphere still lives on from the last time I was there.

Perth’s new Optus Stadium is another ground high on my list as it has since been redeveloped. The old ground was still in use the last time I was in Perth, so this will be the first time I've seen the new one since it was built across the river.

Then of course it will be wonderful to revisit those lovely old pavilions at the SCG in Sydney.”

The Boxing Day Test at the MCG is legendary for its atmosphere. What memories do you have of that ground, and how does the this fixture up the ante for players and crowd alike?

“The Boxing Day Test is pencilled in every Aussie’s calendar, and the atmosphere is always electric in the MCG. The stadium holds 110,000, with the biggest stand accommodating 60,000 — so standing on the pitch and looking up at that sea of fans is enough to give you goosebumps.

The Test in Melbourne this year will be extra important, as I believe it will be a closer match than it has been recently. If we win, the atmosphere will be unforgettable, reminiscent of the scenes in 1986 when we sealed the Ashes with a momentous win.”

And finally, what does it take to win the Ashes, and how can you see England bringing home the urn this year?

“Put simply, every player performing as a team is the key to winning the Ashes. It's a long and arduous series, and from my experience, it’s crucial that when players get injured, those who step in hit the ground running.

It’s all about the team. Stay strong and stay together.”

Book your next cricket holiday with Spectate and experience the world's best stadiums on a tailor-made tour.

Join fellow cricket fans Down Under and experience the passionate Ashes atmosphere of Australia with Mike Gatting.

With our first-hand experience and knowledge of all-things cricket and Australia's incredible regions, we'll create the perfect cricket tour uniquely for you, with tailor-madeextensions so you can see more of what you love while you're on tour.

Call us today on 01244 729 897 and start planning your ultimate Ashes holiday!

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Or, listen to another of our exclusive interviews with England Cricket legend and our exclusive Ashes tour host Mike Gatting OBE below!