What Are the Ashes in Cricket?
- Googly Guide Editorial Team
- Nov 30, 2025
- 15 min read
Updated: Nov 30, 2025
The Ashes is one of the most iconic Test cricket series in the world, played between England and Australia. It represents more than just a contest - it is a historic battle for pride, legacy, and national supremacy.
Recognized as one of cricket’s oldest and fiercest rivalries, the Ashes has been at the heart of the sport for over a century. Every series brings intense competition, unforgettable moments, and a deep sense of tradition that continues to captivate cricket fans across generations.
In this blog, we will break down what the Ashes actually is, why the series is called “The Ashes,” the complete history of Ashes Test cricket, the teams involved, and a detailed list of past winners.
By the end, you’ll have a clear and complete understanding of the legacy behind this celebrated cricketing battle.
The Ashes in Cricket
More than just a sporting contest, it is a biennial, five-match Test series that has come to symbolize one of the fiercest and longest-running rivalries in all of sport. It is a battle for national pride, history, and the highly sought-after, yet symbolic, Ashes urn.
Meaning of “The Ashes”
The term "The Ashes" originated in 1882 following Australia's first-ever Test victory on English soil at The Oval in London.
A mock obituary was published in the British newspaper The Sporting Times which famously declared the "death of English cricket," stating that the body would be cremated and "the ashes" taken to Australia.
Since then, the subsequent series has been played to symbolically "regain" those ashes. The term has evolved from a satirical concept to the official name for this iconic series.
The Famous Ashes Urn – What It Symbolizes
The Ashes urn is a small terracotta urn believed to contain the ashes of a burnt bail from the 1882 Test. Though widely recognised as the symbol of the rivalry, the urn is not the official trophy presented to players.
Symbolism: It stands as a historic reminder of the original “ashes” of English cricket and represents tradition, pride, and sporting heritage.
Location: Due to its delicate condition, the original urn is permanently stored at the MCC Museum at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The winning team instead receives a crystal replica trophy for official celebrations.
Frequency and Format of the Ashes Series
Frequency: The Ashes is held every two years, alternating between England and Australia. This ensures each nation hosts the series every four years.
Format: Each Ashes series consists of five Test matches, each played over a maximum of five days. The team that wins the most Tests wins the series.
Retention Rule: If a series ends in a draw (for example, 2–2), the team that previously held the Ashes retains it. This adds an extra layer of competitive pressure, especially for the side trying to reclaim the trophy.
Why the Ashes Series Is Called “Ashes”
The name "The Ashes" is one of the most romantic and enduring in sports history. Unlike other major trophies named after sponsors or administrators, this title was born from a moment of national sporting grief and a touch of satirical British humor.
The 1882 Oval Test Match Background
The origin story begins on August 29, 1882, at The Oval in London. England was playing Australia in a one-off Test match. Until this point, England had never lost a Test match to Australia on home soil.
The match was a low-scoring, nail-biting finish. England, needing only 85 runs in their final innings to win, seemed assured of victory. However, the Australian bowler Frederick Spofforth (known as "The Demon") delivered a devastating performance.
The Collapse: Under the pressure of Spofforth’s bowling, the English batting lineup crumbled.
The Result: England was bowled out for just 77 runs, handing Australia a shock victory by a narrow margin of 7 runs.
The Reaction: The defeat stunned the sporting public. It wasn't just a loss; it was viewed as a national humiliation, signaling that English dominance in the sport had been shattered.
The Mock Obituary – “Death of English Cricket”
In the immediate aftermath of the loss, the British press reacted with wit and despair. On August 31, 1882, a young journalist named Reginald Shirley Brooks published a satirical mock obituary in The Sporting Times.
This obituary humorously declared that English cricket had "died" at The Oval. The text, bordered in black like a traditional death notice, read:
"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."
This final line - suggesting the "ashes" of English cricket were being taken away by the victors - captured the public imagination and planted the seed for the rivalry's name.
How the Term ‘Ashes’ Became Official
The term transitioned from a newspaper joke to an official title during the very next cricket tour.
The Pledge: Shortly after the defeat, the Hon. Ivo Bligh was appointed captain of the English team set to tour Australia in 1882–83. Understanding the public sentiment, Bligh famously pledged that he would "regain those ashes" and bring the glory of English cricket home.
The Creation of the Urn: During that tour, Bligh led England to victory. While staying at the Rupertswood estate in Victoria, a group of local women - including his future wife, Florence Morphy - presented him with a small, terracotta urn.
The Contents: Legend states that the urn contains the ashes of a wooden cricket bail burned by the ladies to symbolize the "Ashes" Bligh had come to collect.
A Lasting Legacy: Ivo Bligh kept the urn as a personal memento until his death. It was later bequeathed to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Lord’s. Although the teams now play for a replica trophy (as the original urn is too fragile to travel), the series is permanently known as The Ashes in honor of that original quest to reclaim national pride.
Ashes Test Series History
The history of the Ashes is a saga of dominance, rebellion, and dramatic shifts in power. For over 140 years, this rivalry has produced some of the most memorable chapters in the annals of sport.
Early Era (1882–1900)
The early years of the Ashes were defined by the establishment of the legend and England's initial superiority, followed by Australia's rapid rise as a cricketing superpower.
The Birth of the Legend: Following the shock defeat at The Oval in 1882 and the subsequent mock obituary, Ivo Bligh captained the English team to Australia in 1882–83. England won the series 2–1, symbolically "regaining the ashes" and establishing the tradition of the urn.
England’s Dominance: For the remainder of the 19th century, England largely controlled the rivalry. Between 1882 and 1890, England won eight consecutive series. Legendary figures like W.G. Grace was instrumental in professionalizing the English game and cementing their status as the team to beat.
Australia’s Resurgence: By the late 1890s, the tide began to turn. The emergence of Australian batting geniuses, such as Victor Trumper, signaled that the colony was ready to challenge the mother country on equal terms, leading to a far more competitive rivalry entering the 20th century.
Mid-Era Rivalry Shifts (1900–2000)
This century-long period saw the pendulum swing violently between the two nations, featuring tactical controversies, "invincible" squads, and individual brilliance.
The Bodyline Series (1932–33): The most controversial chapter in Ashes history. To counter the brilliance of Australia’s Don Bradman, England captain Douglas Jardine employed "Bodyline" tactics - bowling fast and short at the batsman’s body. England won the series 4–1, but it caused a diplomatic row and forever changed the laws of cricket.
The Invincibles (1948): Following WWII, Don Bradman led the Australian team on a tour of England where they remained undefeated in all 34 matches played. This team is widely regarded as one of the greatest in history.
Laker’s Match (1956): In a moment of English triumph, spinner Jim Laker took 19 wickets in a single match at Old Trafford (19 for 90), a world record that still stands today, halting the Australian charge.
Botham’s Ashes (1981): In the summer of '81, England all-rounder Ian Botham produced a series of miraculous performances with both bat and ball, dragging England from the jaws of defeat to a 3–1 series victory.
Australian Hegemony (1989–2000): The late 80s marked the beginning of Australia's golden era. Under captains Allan Border, Mark Taylor, and Steve Waugh, Australia held the Ashes for eight consecutive series, dominating England both home and away for 16 long years.
Modern Era Battles & Iconic Moments
The modern era revitalized the contest, transforming it from a one-sided affair into a fiercely contested spectacle of high drama.
The 2005 Series (The Greatest Series): Widely considered the greatest Test series ever played. After 16 years of Australian dominance, England won a nail-biting series 2–1. The matches were incredibly close, including a 2-run victory for England at Edgbaston, which reignited global interest in Test cricket.
The Whitewashes (2006/07 & 2013/14): A wounded Australia responded ferociously. In the 2006–07 series (and again in 2013–14), Australia beat England 5–0, achieving a "whitewash" - the ultimate humiliation for the losing side.
England Wins Down Under (2010/11): Under Andrew Strauss, England achieved a rare feat: winning a series on Australian soil (3–1) for the first time in 24 years, built on the run-scoring machine that was Alastair Cook.
The Miracle of Headingley (2019): In the third Test, with England nine wickets down and still needing 73 runs to win, Ben Stokes played one of the greatest innings of all time (135*). He single-handedly guided England to a one-wicket victory, keeping the series alive in electrifying fashion.
Legendary Players Who Shaped Ashes History
The Ashes has been the stage for the true giants of the game.
Australia
Sir Donald Bradman: The Don. His batting average of 99.94 remains the benchmark of perfection; he tormented English bowlers for two decades.
Shane Warne: The "King of Spin" who delivered the "Ball of the Century" in 1993. His psychological dominance over English batsmen defined the 1990s and 2000s.
Glenn McGrath: The metronomic fast bowler whose precise line and length destroyed England's top order repeatedly.
Steve Smith: In the modern era, his unorthodox but effective batting has been the biggest thorn in England's side, averaging over 60 in Ashes cricket.
England
Sir Ian Botham: The ultimate match-winner. His charisma and all-round ability defined the 1981 series and gave England belief they could beat anyone.
Jim Laker: The off-spinner who achieved immortality with his 19-wicket haul, symbolizing England's strength in the 1950s.
Andrew Flintoff: The hero of 2005. His aggressive bowling and destructive batting were the catalyst for breaking the Australian stranglehold.
James Anderson: The most prolific fast bowler in history. His swing bowling has been crucial to England's home dominance in the 21st century.
Ashes Teams
The Ashes is more than just a series; it is a clash of two distinct cricketing cultures. While players change, the identities of the England and Australia teams have remained remarkably consistent over nearly a century and a half.
Overview of England Cricket Team in the Ashes
England, the creators of the game, view the Ashes as the ultimate test of character. Historically, their record is one of resilience and dramatic comebacks rather than sustained dominance.
Historical Performance: England has won the Ashes series 32 times. While they have endured long periods of drought (most notably from 1989 to 2005), they are famous for winning "against the odds," such as in the legendary 1981 and 2005 series.
The "Home" Advantage: England is notoriously difficult to beat at home due to their unique weather and pitch conditions, which favor their traditional strengths (swing bowling).
Modern Identity: In recent years, England has shed its conservative reputation. Under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, they adopted "Bazball" - an ultra-aggressive, high-risk, high-reward style of play designed to force results and entertain crowds.
Overview of Australia Cricket Team in the Ashes
Australia is historically the most dominant force in Ashes history. They are often viewed as the "benchmark" of world cricket, known for their ruthless efficiency and winning mentality.
Historical Performance: Australia holds the edge with 34 series wins and has retained the urn more often due to holding it going into drawn series. They enjoyed a "Golden Era" from 1989 to 2006-07 where they held the Ashes for eight consecutive series.
Fortress Down Under: Australia is incredibly dominant at home. Venues like The Gabba (Brisbane) and the WACA/Optus Stadium (Perth) are considered graveyards for touring English sides, where the pace and bounce often overwhelm visitors.
Team Culture: The Australian team is built on "hard but fair" aggression. They prioritize mental disintegration (psychological pressure) of the opponent and are renowned for never giving up, often turning losing positions into victories.
Playing Styles & Key Strengths of Both Teams
The battle often comes down to which team can force the other to play their game.
England: Masters of Swing and Seam
The Duke Ball: England’s greatest weapon is the Duke cricket ball, used in UK matches. It has a pronounced seam and stays harder for longer, allowing bowlers to swing the ball in the air.
Conditions: England excels in overcast, green-top conditions. Their bowlers (historically James Anderson and Stuart Broad) operate at medium-fast pace but with immense skill, moving the ball late to find the edge of the bat.
Batting: Traditionally technical and patient, focused on survival against the moving ball. However, the modern "Bazball" era has shifted this to relentless attacking to disrupt the opposition’s lengths.
Australia: Pace, Bounce, and Aggression
The Kookaburra Ball: Used in Australia, this ball loses its seam quickly and stops swinging early. This forces Australian bowlers to rely on pure speed, bounce, and "hit-the-deck" aggression.
Fast Bowling: Australia’s history is defined by express pace - from Jeff Thomson to Brett Lee and Mitchell Starc. They aim to intimidate batters with short-pitched bowling (bouncers) that targets the body.
Spin: Unlike England, who often rely on seamers, Australia has a rich history of world-class spin bowlers (e.g., Shane Warne, Nathan Lyon) who utilize the bounce of Australian pitches to take wickets even when the ball isn't swinging.
Greatest Captains in Ashes History (ENG & AUS)
Leadership in the Ashes is a high-pressure job that defines careers. These captains are immortalized for their tactical genius and ability to inspire.
Australia
Sir Donald Bradman: Not only the greatest batter, but a ruthless captain. He never lost a Test series as captain against England and led the famous 1948 "Invincibles," who went unbeaten on their entire tour of England.
Allan Border: He took over Australian cricket at its lowest point in the mid-1980s. A gritty, no-nonsense leader, he hardened the team’s culture and reclaimed the Ashes in 1989, setting the stage for 15 years of dominance.
Steve Waugh: The embodiment of Australian toughness. Waugh made the baggy green cap a symbol of invincibility, leading a team that psychologically dismantled opponents before a ball was even bowled.
England
Mike Brearley: Famously described as having "a degree in people." While not a great batter himself, his tactical genius engineered the "Miracle of '81." He knew exactly how to get the best out of superstar Ian Botham.
Michael Vaughan: The man who broke the curse. In 2005, Vaughan’s calm but aggressive captaincy outsmarted the mighty Australian team, ending their 16-year hold on the urn. He is widely credited with instilling self-belief in English cricket.
Douglas Jardine: The most controversial captain in history. In 1932–33, he devised the "Bodyline" tactic to curb Donald Bradman. It was brutal and unpopular, but it worked - England won 4–1, proving Jardine was willing to do whatever it took to win.
Ashes List of Winners
Ashes Series Summary (1882–2023)
Total Series: 73
Australia Wins: 34
England Wins: 32
Drawn: 7
How the Ashes Series Works
Unlike many modern sporting tournaments that use knockout brackets or round-robin points, the Ashes is a pure, head-to-head endurance battle. It is widely regarded as one of the most grueling challenges in professional sport due to its length and intensity.
Match Format (5-Test Structure)
The Ashes is contested as a series of five Test matches. This format is the ultimate test of a team's physical stamina and mental fortitude.
Duration: Each Test match lasts for up to five days. With five matches in a series, the teams compete over a total of 25 scheduled days of play, spread over approximately six to seven weeks.
Scoring the Series: There are no "points" in the traditional sense. The team that wins the most matches (e.g., 3–1, 4–0, or 5–0) wins the series.
Retaining the Ashes: A unique rule in the Ashes is the concept of "retaining" the urn. If the series ends in a draw (e.g., 2–2), the current holder keeps the trophy. This means the challenging team must outright win the series to take the Ashes; a draw is not enough.
Home & Away Hosting Rotation
The series operates on a reciprocal hosting cycle, ensuring both teams face the challenge of adapting to foreign conditions.
The Cycle: The series is held roughly every two to two-and-a-half years, alternating between England and Australia.
The English Summer: When hosted in England, the series takes place during the Northern Hemisphere summer (typically June to September). The conditions often feature green pitches and overcast skies, favoring swing bowling.
The Australian Summer: When hosted in Australia, the series is played during the Southern Hemisphere summer (typically November to January). These matches are often played in searing heat on hard, bouncy pitches, favoring fast bowlers and aggressive batting.
The "Double Header": Occasionally, due to World Cup schedules or calendar adjustments, the gap between series can be shorter, but the principle of alternating hosts remains strict.
Why the Ashes Matters in World Cricket
The Ashes is far more than just a cricket series; it is a cultural institution. In a modern sporting landscape increasingly dominated by franchise leagues and rapid-fire formats, the Ashes stands as a testament to the enduring power of history, rivalry, and national identity.
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Why the Ashes Matters in World Cricket
The Ashes is far more than just a cricket series; it is a cultural institution. In a modern sporting landscape increasingly dominated by franchise leagues and rapid-fire formats, the Ashes stands as a testament to the enduring power of history, rivalry, and national identity.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The rivalry is deeply rooted in the colonial history between the two nations. For Australia, early victories in the late 19th century were a rite of passage - a way to prove that the "colonial upstarts" could match and even surpass the "mother country" on the playing field. For England, it represents the defense of a game they invented and a measure of their standing in the sporting world.
National Identity: The series often mirrors the broader cultural relationship between the countries. It is a battle of differing philosophies: the traditional, often conservative English approach versus the brash, aggressive "baggy green" Australian mentality.
A Shared Language of Rivalry: The contest has created a shared vocabulary of heroes and villains. Figures like Don Bradman, Ian Botham, and Shane Warne are household names in both nations, their legacies woven into the social fabric of the UK and Australia.
The "Ultimate" Test: For players from both sides, an Ashes series is the pinnacle of their careers. A century scored at Lord’s or a five-wicket haul at the MCG is valued higher than almost any other achievement in the sport.
Global Viewership & Fan Following
While cricket is played in many nations, the Ashes commands a unique global audience that rivals major international tournaments.
Massive Reach: The series consistently breaks broadcast records. The 2023 series, for example, saw a combined reach of 17.8 million viewers in the UK alone. In Australia, the 2025-26 series opener famously broke domestic records, reaching millions of viewers within just two days of play.
The "Barmy Army" & The Fanatics: The atmosphere at Ashes matches is legendary, driven by organized fan groups. England’s "Barmy Army" travels in the thousands to Australia, providing a soundtrack of songs and chants that is unique in world sport. Their counterparts, "The Fanatics," ensure the Australian grounds are equally hostile and vibrant.
Global Interest: Beyond the two competing nations, the Ashes attracts millions of neutral viewers from India, the Caribbean, and South Africa, who tune in to witness the high quality of cricket and the intense drama that only this rivalry can produce.
Impact on Test Cricket’s Legacy
In an era where T20 cricket and franchise leagues are reshaping the economics of the sport, the Ashes plays a critical role in keeping the longest format alive and relevant.
The Gold Standard: The Ashes serves as the benchmark for Test cricket marketing and engagement. It proves that a five-day game, played over a six-week series, can still capture the public imagination and dominate back-page headlines.
Financial Lifeline: The revenue generated by an Ashes series - through broadcast rights, ticket sales, and tourism - is immense. For Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), these funds are vital for supporting grassroots cricket and funding less lucrative tours.
Revitalizing the Format: Iconic series, such as the 2005 Ashes or the recent "Bazball" era contests, have repeatedly "saved" Test cricket by showcasing its unique ability to provide narrative depth, tactical complexity, and emotional highs that shorter formats cannot replicate. It reminds the world that Test cricket is not just a game, but a saga.
Summary
The Ashes is more than a cricket series - it is a 140-year-old rivalry built on history, pride, and emotion. Originating from a satirical obituary in 1882, it has grown into one of the most respected and fiercely contested competitions in world sport.
The small terracotta urn symbolizes resilience, reminding both nations that defeat is never final and redemption is always possible.
Beyond cricket, the Ashes reflects a cultural clash between England’s traditional, methodical style and Australia’s bold, aggressive “baggy green” spirit - though modern approaches like Bazball continue to reshape these identities.
The rivalry has produced generations of heroes and unforgettable narratives that belong as much to history as to the players themselves.
Most importantly, the Ashes remains a pillar of Test cricket. In an era dominated by T20 leagues, it preserves the depth, drama, and tactical richness of the five-day format, proving that the essence of traditional cricket still captivates millions around the world.
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FAQs
1. Why are the ashes called the ashes?
The name comes from a satirical obituary published in The Sporting Times in 1882 after England lost to Australia at home for the first time. It humorously stated that English cricket had died, the body would be cremated, and the "ashes" taken to Australia.
2. Are the ashes every 2 years?
Yes, the series is played roughly every two years (sometimes every 18 months), alternating between venues in England and Australia.
3. What is meant by Ashes in cricket?
"The Ashes" refers to the long-standing Test cricket series played exclusively between England and Australia. The winner receives a replica of a tiny terracotta urn that symbolizes the "ashes" of English cricket.
4. How long do cricket Ashes last?
An Ashes series consists of five Test matches, each lasting up to five days. The entire series usually spans about six to seven weeks.
5. Why do only England and Australia play Ashes?
The tradition is unique to the historical rivalry between these two specific nations. It was born from that specific 1882 match result and the subsequent pledge by an English captain to "regain the ashes" from Australia.
6. Which team has won the most Ashes series?
As of the last completed series (2023), Australia has won 34 series, while England has won 32, with 7 series ending in a draw.
7. What exactly are Ashes made of?
The urn is widely believed to contain the ashes of a burnt wooden cricket bail used in a match during the 1882-83 series. Some alternative theories suggest it could be a burnt veil, but the bail story is the most accepted legend.
8. Who Currently Holds the Ashes?
Australia currently holds the Ashes. They retained the urn after the 2023 series ended in a 2–2 draw, as they were the previous winners (having won the 2021–22 series 4–0).
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