The 1985 English cricket season was the 86th in which the County Championship had been an official competition.
England recovered The Ashes against an Australian team that had lost several players to a "rebel tour" of South Africa.
England won the Ashes thanks to the batting of Mike Gatting, Tim Robinson and David Gower; and some excellent seam bowling by Richard Ellison.
Zimbabwe made their second tour of England and played in 8 first-class matches, mostly against county opposition.
Worcestershire bowler Neal Radford was the leading wicket taker with 101, at an average of 24.68.