The Ashes Series Between England and Australia - All You Need To Know

What is the Ashes? 

The Ashes is a series involving England and Australia. 
 

The two nations meet roughly every two years, with the winners claiming one of the most famous (and smallest) trophies in sport, the urn. 

 

 

 

The Ashes is held alternately in England and Australia. It consists of a series of five Test matches, each lasting up to five days. 

 

 

Why is it called the Ashes?

 

 

After England lost to Australia for the first time on home soil in 1882, the Sporting Times printed a mock obituary: "In affectionate remembrance of English cricket, which died at the Oval on 29 August 1882. The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia." 

 

When England won the next series in Australia in 1882-83, captain Ivo Bligh was presented with a small terracotta urn containing what is believed to be the ashes of a burnt cricket bail - although no-one knows for sure. 

 

The urn, which was donated to Marylebone Cricket Club after Bligh's death in 1927, became the symbol of the Ashes. 

 

 Who has won the most?

 

The 2019 Ashes Series will be the 71st Ashes series. In the previous 70, Australia have won 33, England 32 and there have been five drawn series. 

 

Australia are the current holders after a 4-0 victory at home in 2017-18.

 

The winning team are awarded a replica of the urn, but the real one - standing just 11cm high - lives in the Lord's museum.