The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) toured Australia during the 1970–71 cricket season, playing seven Test matches (as England) and what would become officially recognized as the first-ever One Day International (ODI). This was the MCC's 15th visit to Australia since it took official control of English cricket tours overseas in 1903–1904. The MCC was captained by Ray Illingworth, while Australia was captained by Bill Lawry until he was sacked and replaced by Ian Chappell for the seventh Test. To date, the England team of 1970-71 remains the only one to have won an Ashes series in Australia without losing any Tests, and only the second team after the Bodyline team to win back the Ashes on Australian soil. In addition to the seven Tests and inaugural ODI, the MCC played eight first-class matches (winning one, losing one and drawing the rest), ten one-day matches (winning seven) and a three-day match against a country XI from New South Wales. Following its successful regaining of the Ashes, the MCC also played a Test series in New Zealand before returning home. Travelling to Australia The MCC squad flew from London on 18 October 1970. Speaking to the press before departure, captain Ray Illingworth was adamant that his team could win back the Ashes. I sincerely believe we can win the series and bring back the Ashes. We have a strong side with outstanding fast bowlers and it is generally well balanced. There is no reason why the Ashes should not be back in England next year. The initial squad included the following staff and players. Counties in parentheses indicate where a player was currently based at the time. David Clark (manager) Ray Illingworth (captain) (Leicestershire) Colin Cowdrey (vice-captain) (Kent) Geoffrey Boycott (Yorkshire) Basil D'Oliveira (Worcestershire) John Edrich (Surrey) Keith Fletcher (Essex) John Hampshire (Yorkshire) Alan Knott (wicket-keeper) (Kent) Peter Lever (Lancashire) Brian Luckhurst (Kent) Ken Shuttleworth (Lancashire) John Snow (Sussex) Bob Taylor (wicket-keeper) (Derbyshire) Derek Underwood (Kent) Alan Ward (Derbyshire) Don Wilson (Yorkshire) Bernard Thomas (assistant to manager and physiotherapist) Significance The 1970-71 series was historically significant in a number of ways: It would be the first time since 1920 that an MCC tour to Australia had started in South Australia and not Western Australia. The series would be the first to be scheduled for six Tests instead of five, it would be the first time the MCC would spend Christmas in Tasmania