Answer
Australia were the reigning Ashes champions heading into the 2009 Ashes series. England were captained by Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook was the opening batsman. England won the series 2-1. Cook was the top scorer for England with 766 runs at an average of 51.07. He scored 3 double centuries, including a career-best 235 not out in the fourth Test at Headingley. He was named player of the series.