What is the Ashes?
The Ashes is the famous Test cricket series between Australia and England. It began after England's first home Test loss to Australia in 1882, when a newspaper published a mock obituary for English cricket.
After Australia defeated England at The Oval in London in August 1882, The Sporting Times printed an obituary saying English cricket had died and that the body would be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.
When England toured Australia in 1882 and 1883, captain Ivo Bligh vowed to regain the ashes. During the tour, a small terracotta urn was presented to him, said to contain the ashes of a burnt cricket bail.
The urn
The original urn is kept at the Marylebone Cricket Club Museum at Lord's in London, regardless of which team holds the Ashes. A larger crystal replica trophy is presented to the winning team.
Ashes series are usually played every two years, alternating between Australia and England. A series typically includes five Test matches.
Famous Ashes moments include Don Bradman's dominance in the 1930s, Shane Warne's Ball of the Century in 1993 and England's dramatic 2005 series win. The Ashes remains one of the most celebrated rivalries in world sport.
Did You Know?
If an Ashes series is drawn, the team that already holds the Ashes keeps them.