 Australia won the Texaco Trophy series that preceded the Tests 3–0.The gulf in quality between the sides was vast, and was emphasised by the fact that nine of Australia's team played all six tests, while England used 24 players in the series, including seven debutants.One of the surprises among the inconsistent selection was the regular selection of Alec Stewart as wicketkeeper and middle-order batsman, rather than a specialist wicketkeeper that would allow Stewart to open the batting.