The Ashes

The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia. The term 'Ashes' was first used after England lost to Australia for the first time on home soil in 1882. A mock obituary of English cricket concluded that 'The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia'. The English team then vowed to return with the Ashes and Australia vowed to defend them. The series alternates between the UK and Australia, and within each country each of the matches is held at a different ground. In the UK, the final Test of the series is traditionally played at the Oval.