The Ashes

The Ashes is a biennal test cricket contest played between England and Australia. The series is named after the trophy, which is a small terracotta urn said to contain the burnt bails from a game played in 1882 at The Oval. An Ashes series typically consists of five Test matches, and the host of the series alternates between the two countries. The Ashes series is currently being played in England; the first Test started at Lord's on July 21 and was won by Australia.

The Ashes is one of cricket's fiercest and most celebrated rivalries. Notable Ashes series took place in 1932/33 (the Bodyline tour), 1948 (Sir Donald Bradman's "Invincibles" Australian side) and 1981 (in which an England team spearheaded by Ian Botham won a thrilling series).

The Ashes urn