The Ashes are mainly known for the Test matches. In 1882, it was first played between England and Australia, only these two countries are part of this Ashes series. The team that most recently won the series are regarded by the Ashes. It is played in a Test Cricket format. International Cricket Council (ICC) has all the rights to perform the tournaments.
ICC is an International Organisation who looks after the management and smooth conduct of tournaments under their Governance. It is a five match series Tournament. The latest Ashes series was played in 2019 and the series score went 2-2, in which England levelled the series after beating Australia in final test. In this format, if the series gets draw, the team which is currently holding the Ashes retains the trophy.
Australia won the very first tournament in 1882, which was played at The Oval. It was the first win for Australia in the English soil and this tremendous victory for Australia was published in the British Newspapers “The Sporting Times”. There was a news which was published and said that- Australians will be taking the Ashes if English cricket is not able to cope up.
This myth soon started in 1882-1883 series, which was played in Australia. These two nations come with the motive of achieving the Trophy and winning for its Nation and making their Nation proud. Cricket is all about teamwork and co-ordination amongst each other.
Ashes Series: 1882 Origin
The very first match was played in 1877 in Melbourne, Australia. The Ashes Legends was played after the ninth test in 1882. Australia only played one test during their tour of England, and it was a low-scoring match on a tough wicket at The Lords in London.
Australia scored 63 runs in their first inning, while England scored 101 runs and took a 38-run lead. In the second innings Australia managed to score 122 runs, in which England left with only 85 runs to win. Australian got highly demoralised on how their team got collapsed.
Fred Spofforth the fast bowler showed a gamesmanship. England was just eight runs behind of victory and Fred took four wickets. When last batsmen from England fell silent and believed that the England could lose on their home soil.
When England lost them, Boyle & Fred Spofforth were cheered up by a huge crowd. Captain asked Peate when he returned that why you didn’t allow Charles to be on crease. He said he has no confidence in Studd and thought I will go and give my best result.
Great enthusiasm can be seen in both the teams in Ashes series. Every team member and players try to put their best performance for their team and for their respective nations.
It was a huge defeat for England in its home soil and later the news was published in the British press and praised the Australian for their tremendous win.
Till the First World War, England and Australia played equal matches. Total 5 series were played between 1905 and 1912. The series played in 1905, England Captain Stanley Jackson not only won the series by 2-0 but also won all the toll in all the five series match.
Australia won both the series played in 1907-1908 and 1909. The further England won in 1911-1912 by 4-1. There was a Triangular Tournament played in 1912 and South Africa was taking part in this tournament. In Triangular Tournament England retained the Ashes.
After the war, Australia started focusing on both the Ashes and world cricket. The main tactic of Australians was to use both the fast bowlers Jack Gregory and Ted McDonald after that Australia recorded wonderful victory both in England as well as on home soil. Australians whitewashed England in first eight series with 5-0.
After the end of the war, England only won one test out of fifteen till 1925. After the war, Australia’s team stated broking up, Charlie Macartney and Warren Bardsley all departed and also Gregory also broke down at the start of 1928-29 series. December 2021-January 2022 is the time decided for the 2021 series.
The Ashes Urn
The Ashes Urn is made up of terracotta. It is 10.5cm tall. It’s said to hold the ashes of the smouldering Cricket Bails.
Ashes Series: Summary of Result
Overall Test Results: Total test played 335, in which Australia won 136 matched whereas England won 108 matches. Total match draw 91.
Overall Series Results: total Series played 71, in which Australia won 33 and England won 32 series. Total 6 series got draw. Till the latest series played, most runs have been scored by Sir Donald Bradman 5028 runs. Most wickets by Shane Warne- 195 wickets.
The Ashes go to the team, whichever wins. If the series gets draw, then the previous holder retains the Ashes. Each player comes to the field, whether it’s a batsman, all-rounder or bowler with full confidence and good presence of mind.
Each & every player comes to achieve and make their Nation proud and they should remain motivated and contribute to the team. Great enthusiasm can be seen in both the teams in Ashes series.
There are many other sports and games gained popularity held in the name of “Ashes”.
Rugby League is also one of the famous sports, which is played between Australia and England. They use the name ‘Ashes’ which was suggested by Australia, when the matches between these two teams started in 1908.
The series is conducted alternatively amongst the countries and all the five matches are hosted on different grounds. In Australia, the grounds are used- Gabba in Brisbane, Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Cricket Ground, Perth Stadium.
In England & Wales, the grounds are used are Old Trafford in Manchester, the Oval in Kennington, Lords in St. John’s wood, Headingley ln Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham. Oval cricket ground has been witnessed many times for finals of this series.
