As England regained The Ashes for the first time since 1972, it was the first Test at Lord’s that set the tone for the 3-0 series victory in 1977, despite England unable to eventually force a win against Australia.
However, Bob Woolmer’s century, his only entry on the Honours Board at the Home of Cricket, helped England to a total of 305 all out, after they had earlier been subjected to an 80-run deficit by the Aussies.
Woolmer, displaying some superb cover drives, put on 132 for the second wicket with skipper Mike Brearley, and built a partnership of 92 with Tony Greig for the third. When Woolmer departed for 120, though, it was the first of seven wickets that England lost for only 81 runs, with Derek Underwood only one of four batsmen to make double figures.
Australia reached 114 for 6 in reply and the match was drawn. Woolmer went on to make another century in his next Test innings, helping England defeat Australia at Old Trafford.