Why ‘The Ashes’? History of the name that defines England vs Australia

Perth: No rivalry in the world of cricket is as heated and historic as the Ashes series between Australia and England. This is not just a series of 5 test matches, but a war more than a century old, where the honor of the nation is at stake on every ball. The 2025-26 Ashes series starting from Perth, Australia again brought this mystery alive. Let us know why this series is called 'The Ashes'? Is this series bigger than the World Cup?

Which defeat of 1882 became 'Ashes'?

Its name came from a mock obituary written upon England's first defeat. Everything started from 1882. On 29 August, Australia defeated England by 8 wickets at Lord's, England's first Test defeat at home. A journalist wrote that English cricket died... the body was burnt, and the ashes were taken to Australia. This 'Death of English Cricket' headline went viral. The very next year in 1883, the team that reached Australia on the tour of England found a small urn. It reportedly contained ashes from a match bail or ball cover. This urn became the symbol of the Ashes and the winner in every series keeps the urn. England captain Ivo Bligh named it 'The Ashes'.

Are there real ashes in the urn?

The contents of the urn are still a mystery. In 1998 Bligh's granddaughter said it contained burnt cloth from her grandmother's well. But most believe that there was a bail in the third match of 1882, which England won. The original urn kept at Lord's has now been replaced by a replica. The winning team takes home the replica. The biggest prize of Ashes cricket is bigger than the World Cup. There have been 72 series in more than 140 years, out of which Australia has won 34, England has won 32 and 6 matches have been drawn.

England vs weak Australia in Perth

The first Test has started at Perth Stadium, and England won the toss and chose to bat. Australia has entered the field without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood (injury). 31-year-old Jake Weatherald (opener) and Brendan Doggett (fast bowler) debuted. For the first time since 1946, two players over 30 made their debut. England have faced 13 defeats in the last 3 tours, and only 2 matches have been drawn. Will England win 3-2?

This battle of the Ashes is the epic of cricket—the 'ashes' of 1882 are still burning today. Will England's dream come true?