The Ashes: History, Origin and England vs Australia Rivalry
The Ashes is cricket's oldest and most famous bilateral rivalry. Learn about its origin, the famous Urn, every series winner, and the most iconic moments since 1882.
The Ashes is the Test cricket series between England and Australia — the oldest bilateral rivalry in the sport and one of the most followed sporting events in the world. Played every two years alternately in England and Australia, it has produced some of cricket's greatest matches and characters.
Origin: The Ashes born in 1882
After Australia beat England at The Oval in August 1882 — the first time Australia had beaten England on English soil — the Sporting Times published a mock obituary: 'English cricket, which died at The Oval on 29th August 1882... the body will be cremated and the Ashes taken to Australia.' When England toured Australia that winter, they were said to be recovering 'the ashes.'
The Ashes urn
The tiny Ashes urn — around 10 centimetres tall — was presented to England captain Ivo Bligh by a group of Melbourne women in 1882/83. It is believed to contain the ashes of a burned cricket bail or ball (accounts differ). The urn is permanently held at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, on display at the MCC Museum. A replica travels between the two countries.
Who has won the most Ashes series?
Australia have won more Ashes series than England. Australia have dominated since the 1980s. England's most recent runs of success came in 2005 (ending 18 years of drought) and 2009 and 2010/11. Australia won four consecutive Ashes (2013/14 to 2019) before England's 2-2 drawn 2023 Ashes in England under Ben Stokes.
Most famous Ashes series
| Series | Winner | Why it's famous |
|---|---|---|
| 1932/33 Bodyline | England 4-1 | Douglas Jardine's bodyline tactics on Bradman |
| 1948 The Invincibles | Australia 4-0 | Bradman's final tour, unbeaten |
| 1981 Headingley | England 3-1 | Botham's Ashes — 149* after following on |
| 2005 | England 2-1 | Greatest series ever; Flintoff's heroics |
| 2006/07 | Australia 5-0 | Australia's humiliating whitewash of England |
| 2019 (5th Test) | Draw 2-2 | Stokes's 135* to win at Headingley |
Bazball era — 2023 Ashes
England's 2023 Ashes, under Ben Stokes (captain) and Brendon McCullum (head coach), was played under the 'Bazball' philosophy — aggressive, fearless, high-tempo cricket. Australia retained the Ashes by drawing 2-2 (the away team retains when a series is drawn). The series produced extraordinary cricket from both sides and re-energised interest in Test cricket globally.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Ashes?
The Ashes is the Test cricket series between England and Australia, played every two years. The name comes from a mock 1882 obituary of English cricket — the symbolic 'Ashes' were taken to Australia after their first defeat.
Where is the Ashes urn kept?
The original Ashes urn is permanently housed at the MCC Museum at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. A replica travels between England and Australia with the series.
Who has won more Ashes series?
Australia have won more Ashes series than England overall. England's last dominant run was 2005-2011 before Australia won four consecutive series from 2013.