The Ashes

The Ashes is cricket's oldest international contest and is held regularly between England and Australia.

In 1882, Australia became the first country to beat England at home. Following this shock defeat, The Sporting Times newspaper ran a mock obituary for English cricket which read "In affectionate remembrance of English cricket, which died at The Oval on 29th August, 1882. The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia."

These mythical ashes became real when England toured Australia later that year. After England took revenge in their 1882/83 tour, beating the Australians 2-1, they burned the bales and presented them, in an urn, to England captain Ivo Bligh. Thus "The Ashes" were born, and the two countries have fought for them ever since.