The Ashes is cricket's oldest and most celebrated rivalry. Every two years, England and Australia battle for a tiny terracotta urn said to contain the ashes of English cricket. For English Australians, the series holds particular significance—a sporting contest that connects adopted home with country of origin. This guide explores the rich history of this legendary rivalry.
The Birth of the Ashes
The 1882 Obituary
The Ashes legend began with a death notice. On August 29, 1882, Australia defeated England at The Oval in London in a match of extraordinary tension. It was England's first ever home defeat to Australia, and the reaction was dramatic.
The following day, a mock obituary appeared in the Sporting Times newspaper:
📰 The Famous Obituary
"In Affectionate Remembrance of ENGLISH CRICKET, which died at the Oval on 29th AUGUST, 1882, Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances. R.I.P. N.B.—The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia."
The Urn Itself
When England toured Australia in 1882-83, their captain Ivo Bligh vowed to "regain the ashes." After winning the series, a group of Melbourne ladies presented Bligh with a small terracotta urn said to contain the ashes of a burnt bail (or possibly a ball). This urn, measuring just 15 centimetres tall, became the symbol of the rivalry.
The original urn resides at Lord's Cricket Ground in London and never travels with the teams—it's considered too fragile. A crystal replica is presented to the winning team.
The Format
Series Structure
The Ashes is contested every two years, alternating between England and Australia:
- In England: Played during English summer (June-August)
- In Australia: Played during Australian summer (November-January)
- Length: Five Test matches, each up to five days
- Victory: Requires winning more matches to claim the Ashes
- Defence: In a drawn series, the defending holder retains the Ashes
Test Cricket Format
Each Ashes Test follows the traditional format:
- Two innings per team
- Maximum five days of play
- Winner is determined by runs scored or match ends in a draw
Iconic Moments
The Bodyline Series (1932-33)
Perhaps cricket's most controversial series saw England employ "leg theory" bowling—fast, short-pitched deliveries aimed at the batsman's body. Devised to counter Don Bradman, the tactic was brutally effective but caused diplomatic incidents. Several Australian batsmen were injured, and the series nearly caused a rift between the two nations.
Bradman's Final Test (1948)
Don Bradman, cricket's greatest batsman, needed just four runs in his final Test innings to finish with a career average of 100. He was bowled for a duck (zero), leaving his average at 99.94—still the highest in Test cricket history.
🔑 Essential Ashes Knowledge
- The original urn has never been "won"—it remains at Lord's regardless of results
- The series began in 1882 and has been contested over 70 times
- Australia has historically dominated, but series are often competitive
- The Ashes is considered the pinnacle of Test cricket
The 2005 Series
Widely considered the greatest Ashes series ever played, England won 2-1 after 16 years of Australian dominance. Matches were decided by narrow margins, featuring extraordinary individual performances and dramatic finishes. The Edgbaston Test, won by England by just two runs, is often cited as the greatest Test match ever played.
Ben Stokes at Headingley (2019)
In a remarkable match, England were 286-9 chasing 203 to win when Ben Stokes launched an incredible assault, scoring an unbeaten 135 to win the match with one wicket remaining. It's considered one of the greatest innings in Test history.
The Rivalry for English Australians
A Unique Position
For English people living in Australia, the Ashes presents a unique experience. Supporting England while surrounded by Australian fans creates intense but usually good-natured tension. The series becomes a focal point for expressing English identity while engaging with Australian sporting culture.
Attending Ashes Matches in Australia
English supporters travel in significant numbers for Ashes series in Australia, creating an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event. The "Barmy Army"—England's travelling cricket supporters—bring noise, colour, and distinctive songs to Australian grounds.
✅ Attending the Ashes
- Book tickets early—Ashes matches sell out quickly
- Consider joining the Barmy Army for organised supporter sections
- Wear your England colours proudly but expect banter from locals
- The Boxing Day Test at the MCG is the premier Ashes experience
- Australian grounds are generally welcoming to away supporters
Following from Australia
Broadcast Coverage
When the Ashes is held in Australia, matches are broadcast throughout the day. When in England, Australian fans face early morning viewing:
- England Tests: Play begins around 8pm AEST, continuing into early morning
- Australian Tests: Standard daytime viewing from around 10am AEDT
Test Cricket Culture
Test cricket's five-day format creates a different viewing experience from other sports:
- Matches ebb and flow over days, not hours
- Context and statistics become crucial
- Radio commentary is particularly suited to Test cricket
- Dedicated fans follow ball-by-ball regardless of time
Key Terms for New Fans
Cricket has its own vocabulary that can confuse newcomers:
- Innings: A team's turn to bat
- Declaration: When a batting team ends their innings voluntarily
- Duck: Being dismissed without scoring
- Century: Scoring 100 runs in an innings
- Five-fer: A bowler taking five wickets in an innings
- Wicket: Can refer to the pitch, the stumps, or a dismissal
Conclusion
The Ashes transcends normal sporting rivalry. It connects English and Australian cultures in a contest that has run for over 140 years, surviving wars, diplomatic incidents, and changing times. For English Australians, the series offers a unique opportunity to celebrate heritage while engaging with adopted home culture.
Whether you're a lifelong cricket fan or new to the sport, the Ashes provides drama, history, and a connection to something larger than any single match. When the next series begins, don your England colours, prepare for the inevitable banter from Australian friends and colleagues, and enjoy cricket's greatest show.