The Ashes: England vs Australia's Greatest Rivalry
The Ashes is cricket's oldest and most celebrated rivalry — contested between England and Australia since 1882. This guide covers the history of the Ashes, its name, the famous urn, greatest series, and iconic moments from over 140 years of Tests.
The Ashes is cricket's defining bilateral rivalry — England vs Australia, played every two years, alternating between English and Australian grounds. The rivalry has produced cricket's greatest matches, greatest performances, and greatest controversies. From Harold Larwood's Bodyline in 1932-33 to Ian Botham's miraculous 1981, from Shane Warne's Ball of the Century to Ben Stokes' Headingley resurrection in 2019, the Ashes consistently generates cricket's most memorable cricket.
The Origin: 1882
The Ashes concept began in 1882 when Australia beat England at The Oval for the first time on English soil. The Sporting Times published a mock obituary lamenting English cricket's death, stating that 'the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.' England's Ivo Bligh then led a tour to Australia to 'regain the Ashes.' A group of Melbourne ladies burnt a bail and presented the ashes to Bligh in a small terracotta urn. That urn — despite being a mock-up — became the symbol of the series.
Greatest Ashes Series
The 1981 Ashes — 'Botham's Ashes' — saw England come back from 1-0 down under Ian Botham's extraordinary performances: 149 not out at Headingley (following on), Bob Willis's 8-43 to bowl Australia out, and Botham's 118 at Old Trafford. England won 3-1. The 2005 Ashes saw England end their 16-year wait for an Ashes win — Andrew Flintoff's all-round performances, Kevin Pietersen's 158 at The Oval, and a 2-run Edgbaston thriller created an iconic series. Australia dominated the 1990s-2000s, winning 8 consecutive series before England's 2005 win.
Modern Ashes
The modern Ashes has seen England's Bazball era challenge Australia's dominance. After Australia's 4-0 2021-22 win in Australia, England responded by winning 2-2 in 2023 under Ben Stokes — England's first drawn series in Australia since 2010 and first competitive series result for over a decade. Pat Cummins' Australia and Ben Stokes' England represent cricket's finest current rivalry — two contrasting styles (Australia's methodical precision vs England's aggressive Bazball) generating compelling Test cricket.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 'The Ashes'?
The Ashes name comes from a satirical 1882 obituary in The Sporting Times, mourning the 'death' of English cricket after Australia's first win on English soil. English captain Ivo Bligh then 'went to Australia to recover the ashes' — and a group of Melbourne ladies gave him a small urn with burnt bail ashes.
How often is the Ashes played?
The Ashes is played every two years — alternating between England and Australia. In England, it's typically played June-September; in Australia, it's played November-January (the Australian summer). Each series comprises five Test matches.
Who has won the most Ashes series?
Australia has won more Ashes series than England historically. By 2024, Australia leads the overall series count with approximately 34 wins to England's 32 wins, with some series drawn. Australia has been dominant since the 1990s.