The Ashes Explained: Cricket's Oldest and Most Famous Rivalry
The Ashes is the Test cricket series between England and Australia — played since 1882 and the sport's most storied rivalry. This guide covers the origin of the Ashes urn, the series format, the greatest Ashes battles, and what makes the England-Australia rivalry uniquely significant in cricket history.
The Ashes is the Test cricket series contested between England and Australia — the sport's oldest and most prestigious bilateral series, played since 1882. The name comes from a satirical obituary published in The Sporting Times after England's 1882 home defeat to Australia, which mourned 'English cricket' and said 'the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.' Ivo Bligh's England team then toured Australia, and Australian women symbolically presented him with a tiny urn (allegedly containing ashes of bails) — the Ashes urn.
The Series Format
The Ashes is played as a five-Test series — either in England (English summer, June-September) or Australia (Australian summer, November-January). Each series consists of five matches over 4-6 weeks. The series holder retains the Ashes if the series is drawn — an away team must win to reclaim the trophy. England's 2023 series against Australia (Bazball era) ended 2-2 — Australia retained the Ashes despite England's improved form.
Historical Dominance
Australia dominated the Ashes from 1989 to 2005 — winning eight consecutive series under Allan Border, Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting. England's 2005 victory (2-1 after a thrilling series) ended 18 years of Australian dominance and became one of cricket's most celebrated sporting events — a final day at The Oval watched by millions, with England regaining the Ashes for the first time since 1987. Andrew Flintoff's all-round performances in 2005 made him England's most celebrated cricketer since Ian Botham.
Modern Ashes
The modern Ashes from 2010-2023 has been more competitive — England won in 2010-11 (in Australia, 3-1), 2013, and drew in 2023. Australia won in 2013-14 (5-0 whitewash), 2017-18 (4-0), 2021-22 (4-0), and retained in 2023. The 2023 Ashes under Ben Stokes's Bazball England was closely contested, with England winning two Tests they would not have won in earlier eras but ultimately failing to reclaim the urn.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Ashes in cricket?
The Ashes name comes from an 1882 satirical obituary in The Sporting Times, published after England's first home defeat to Australia. It mourned 'English cricket' and said the ashes would be taken to Australia. Ivo Bligh's touring team then received a symbolic urn from Australian women — the physical Ashes urn now kept at Lord's.
How often is the Ashes played?
The Ashes is played every two years — alternating between an English Ashes (in England, summer) and an Australian Ashes (in Australia, winter). Each series is five Tests played over 4-6 weeks. The current holder retains the Ashes in the event of a drawn series.
Which country has won more Ashes series?
Australia has won significantly more Ashes series than England historically. The most dominant recent period was 1989-2005 — eight consecutive series wins for Australia. England won the 2005, 2009, 2010-11, and 2013 Ashes. Australia has dominated again since 2013-14, winning all series until the 2023 draw (which Australia retained).