The Ashes History Explained
A complete history of The Ashes: how it started with a mock obituary in 1882, what the urn contains, who leads the all-time series, and the greatest Ashes moments.
The Ashes is the most celebrated bilateral series in cricket — a Test cricket rivalry between England and Australia that has been played since 1882. It is played every two years, alternating between England and Australia as host. The name comes from a satirical obituary published in The Sporting Times after Australia beat England at The Oval in August 1882, which declared that English cricket had died and 'the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia'.
The Urn
The Ashes urn is a small ceramic urn approximately 10.5 cm tall, believed to contain the ashes of a cricket ball (or possibly a ball's bails or stumps) given to English captain Ivo Bligh by Australian women during England's 1882–83 tour of Australia. The urn is permanently housed at the MCC Museum at Lord's Cricket Ground. The actual urn is never contested — the teams compete for a replica Waterford Crystal trophy, with the urn displayed at Lord's regardless of who wins the series.
Series Structure
A standard Ashes series consists of five Test matches. The team that wins more Tests wins the Ashes. If the series ends 2–2, the holder retains the Ashes. The series alternates between Australia (November–January, Southern Hemisphere summer) and England (June–September, Northern Hemisphere summer). Both home and away Ashes series are held roughly every four years (two English summers = one away, one home).
All-Time Series Record
| Country | Series Won | Current Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 34 series | — |
| England | 32 series | England (2023 series) |
| Drawn | 6 series | — |
Greatest Ashes Moments
- 1981 Headingley: Botham's Ashes — England won from 500/1 odds, Ian Botham scoring 149 not out and Bob Willis taking 8–43
- 1932–33 Bodyline: Douglas Jardine's controversial fast short-pitched attack nearly caused a diplomatic incident; England won 4–1
- 2005 Ashes (England): England won their first series since 1987 in one of the most celebrated series in cricket history
- 2006–07: Australia won 5–0 in an Australian whitewash; McGrath and Warne's farewell series
- 2010–11: England won in Australia for the first time since 1986–87 under Andrew Strauss
Frequently asked questions
How long has The Ashes been played?
The Ashes as a recognised concept dates to 1882, making it over 140 years old. The actual series between England and Australia predates the name — the first Test between the two countries was played in 1877 at the MCG. The 'Ashes' name and tradition solidified after the 1882 obituary and the 1882–83 tour.
What happens if the Ashes series is drawn 2–2?
If an Ashes series ends level (2–2, 1–1, etc.), the team that currently holds The Ashes retains them. The defending team only needs to draw to keep the Ashes; the challengers must win outright to take the urn. This has made several series memorable as the holder played for a draw while the challengers pressed for outright victory.