at the start of the 1965–66 season, booth scored fifties in three consecutive matches, including an 80 against the mcc tourists. the 1965-66 ashes series saw booth captain australia for the first time in a test. simpson sustained a broken wrist, leaving booth to lead the hosts in the first test in brisbane. booth prepared quietly, leaving simpson to handle the press. he won the toss and elected to bat; fewer than two hours of play was possible on a rain-shortened first day, and the second day was entirely washed out. booth made only 16 before being caught and bowled by fred titmus on the third morning, but centuries to lawry and debutant doug walters saw australia declare at 6/443. booth rotated his spinners and dismissed the tourists for 280; the match ended in a draw with england at 3/186 after being forced to follow on. when geoff boycott pushed a ball from leg spinner peter philpott away with his hand, booth refused to appeal for handling the ball.