The Ashes Story
A mock obituary in a London newspaper created a prize more valuable than any gold trophy. Explore the origins of the 1882 clash that gave birth to cricket's most enduring and fierce international contest.
1882: The Death of English Cricket
On August 29, 1882, a shock occurred at The Oval that shook the British Empire. An Australian team, led by Billy Murdoch, defeated England on home soil for the first time. The defeat was so profound that it inspired one of the most famous pieces of sports journalism in history.
The Obituary
Published in The Sporting Times, the mock obit stated: "In affectionate remembrance of English cricket, which died at the Oval... the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia."
The Quest
When Ivo Bligh led an England team to Australia later that year, he vowed to "recover those ashes." This quest turned a standard tour into a mythological battle.
The Urn
The actual urn is a small terracotta vessel, believed to contain the burnt remains of a cricket bail. It was gifted to Bligh by a group of Melbourne women.
Defining Series & Moments
Since the 1880s, several series have defined the character of the rivalry:
Bodyline (1932-33)
Faced with the unstoppable scoring of Don Bradman, England captain Douglas Jardine devised a tactical assault involving extreme pace and short-pitched bowling aimed at the batter's body. The 'Bodyline' tactic nearly led to Australia leaving the Empire and remain's the sport's most controversial era.
The 2005 Miracle
After 18 years of Australian dominance, the 2005 series in England is widely considered the greatest ever played. England's 2-1 victory, secured in the final session of the final day, reinvigorated the sport in the UK and was watched by record television audiences.
Legendary Ashes Performers
Sir Donald Bradman
The statistical outlier. Bradman averaged 89.78 in Ashes cricket over 20 years, a level of dominance that forced England to change the very laws of the game to stop him.
Shane Warne
The man who revived spin. Warne took 195 Ashes wickets, including the 'Ball of the Century' to Mike Gatting in 1893, and held a psychological hold over England for 15 years.
Sir Ian Botham
'Botham's Ashes' in 1981 saw the legendary all-rounder single-handedly turn the series around at Headingley and Edgbaston, producing heroics that defined a generation.
Ben Stokes
The hero of Headingley 2019. Stokes's unbeaten 135 to win the third Test remains the modern benchmark for Ashes grit and match-winning brilliance.