The Fourth Test at the Adelaide Oval saw Australia make 323, their highest innings since Brisbane, which England overtook thanks to Cowdrey (79) adding 99 with Hutton (80) and 70 with Compton (44). Australia were bowled out cheaply in the second innings, but Cowdrey was hit in the face by the ball, which gave him a bruised nose and eyes. He was out for 4 in England's run chase, but their five wicket win was enough to win the series 3–1 and retain the Ashes. Cowdrey spent five days in hospital, but still played in the Fifth Test back at Sydney and was caught behind by Len Maddocks off Ian Johnson for a first ball duck to end the series with 319 runs (35.44). After Australia the team proceeded to New Zealand, but Cowdrey made few runs in a low scoring series in which England easily won both Tests.