The Ashes Cricket Series History Explained
The complete history of the Ashes — the oldest Test cricket rivalry, contested between England and Australia since 1882 — its origins, iconic moments, and current structure.
Origins: 1882
The Ashes began with a pivotal moment in August 1882: Australia defeated England at The Oval by 7 runs — England's first home Test defeat. The Sporting Times ran a mock obituary declaring English cricket dead, its body to be cremated and 'the ashes taken to Australia.' When England toured Australia that winter and won the series, the English captain was presented with a small urn by ladies in Ashes, believed to contain the ashes of a burned bail or ball. The urn became the symbol of the rivalry.
Structure
The Ashes is contested as a five-Test series, alternating between England (even years) and Australia (odd years), roughly every two years. Australia host one series, England host the next. Each series is played from early summer to late summer over approximately six to seven weeks.
Iconic Moments
- Bradman's Invincibles (1948): Australia won the series unbeaten, with Don Bradman averaging 72.57 in his final Ashes.
- Bodyline series (1932-33): England's leg-theory tactics to combat Bradman caused a diplomatic incident between the two countries.
- Botham's Ashes (1981): Ian Botham's series-saving performances at Headingley, Edgbaston, and Old Trafford produced one of cricket's greatest Ashes comebacks.
- Warne's ball of the century (1993): Shane Warne's first ball in Ashes cricket dismissed Mike Gatting with a turning delivery from outside leg that hit off stump.
- 2005 Ashes: England won 2–1 in one of the closest Ashes series ever, ending Australia's run of eight consecutive series wins.
The Ashes Urn
The original urn is held permanently at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. A replica travels with the victorious team. The urn is never actually 'held' by Australia even when they win — the symbolic prize is the Waterford Crystal Trophy introduced in 1998.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Ashes urn kept?
The original Ashes urn is kept permanently at the MCC Museum at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. It does not travel to Australia — it has been at Lord's since 1927.
How many Tests are in an Ashes series?
The Ashes is always a five-Test series. The team that wins three or more Tests wins the series. A 2–2 draw results in the current holder retaining the Ashes.
Who has the best Ashes batting average of all time?
Don Bradman holds the highest Ashes batting average — 89.78 across 37 Tests, in a career Ashes record that has never been seriously challenged.