Australia currently hold a 1-0 advantage in the Ashes following their commanding eight-wicket triumph over England in the opening Test – but have you ever pondered why this legendary rivalry between nations carries such an iconic title? The Ashes represents a historic cricket contest stretching back to 1882, contested in Test match format. England and Australia compete in this tournament biennially, with Australia boasting the superior record in terms of victories and retentions.
Australia presently possess the Ashes, having kept hold of the trophy following the 2023 series which concluded in a stalemate. However, what are the origins of this distinctive name, and why do both nations compete for an urn? Here, Express Sport delves into the history of the Ashes and reveals precisely what lies within the famous urn…
The Ashes derives its name from a satirical obituary published in an English publication after Australia’s maiden Test cricket triumph on English territory in 1882. This defeat, occurring on August 29 that year, delivered a devastating blow to English cricket, who considered themselves the superior side.
The mock obituary appeared in the Sporting Times several days afterwards and stated: “In Affectionate Remembrance of English Cricket, which died at the Oval on 29th August, 1882, Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances. R.I.P. N.B. The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”
When England’s team departed for Australia later that year, the press christened this expedition as the quest to “regain the Ashes,” and thus the legendary name was established.
What is the coveted urn that England and Australia play for, and what does it contain?
After England’s 2-1 victory in Australia, captain Ivo Bligh was gifted a petite urn by a group of local women, one of whom would later become his wife. Bligh wed Florence Rose Morphy in February 1884, and they had two sons and a daughter during their marriage.
The urn was believed to hold the ashes of a burnt cricket bail, symbolising the fierce competition between the two nations. The original urn is permanently exhibited at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London and is never awarded to the victorious team.
However, each year, a larger replica trophy is bestowed upon the winning side.
