Defeat in the first npower Test in Cardiff need not have been fatal for England’s chances of regaining the Ashes.

They did, after all, lose the first rubber of the two most iconic series in recent memory — in 1981 and 2005 — and go on to secure famous wins. Australia, for that matter, lost the first Test of the 1997 series but fought back to win three of the next four.

But the blow to England’s confidence could have proved crucial had they lost last night. On the 26 occasions when Australia won the first Test of the Ashes, they went on to win the series 18 times.

Taking into account only Ashes series of three Tests or more, the first Test of the series has been drawn on 15 occasions and it has left the series in the balance. In fact, England fare marginally better after the opening shots have ended in a draw.

Australia went on to win six of those series after drawing the first Test, while England won seven. On two occasions, the series in Australia in 1962-63 and 1965-66, the spoils were shared at the end after nothing could divide the teams in the opening encounter. On each occasion, Australia retained the Ashes.

Andrew Strauss and his team can draw comfort from the series in 1953, when the first four Tests were drawn before England won the crucial last rubber at the Oval by eight wickets to regain the Ashes for the first time since losing them in 1934. Tony Lock and Jim Laker, the England and Surrey spin bowlers, were the star men in that final match, taking nine wickets between them in the second innings to ensure that England had to chase only 132 to win the series.

In 1970-71, too, England drew with Australia in Brisbane in the first match and went on to win what would be a seven-match series, with one abandoned, 2-0. The first Test of the 1977 series began with a draw — Australia were eventually relieved to escape despite an 80-run first-innings lead. They were six wickets down and needed another 112 to win when play ended. England won the series 3-0. The most recent series to begin with a draw was in 1998-99, but Australia won three of the next four Tests.