Since then, there have been 72 iterations of this series, the majority of which included five Test matches. Australia has gained 34 of these series, and England follows close behind with 32 victories. There have been six draws in series. The coveted “The Ashes” series between England and Australia began this date in 1882, when England lost to Australia within their backyard by a score of eight runs. When Australia played a Test match in England in August 1882, they were in England for the tour.
Australia’s first innings total of 63 runs was their lowest ever in a Test match, as the English team jumped out to an early lead.
Jack Blackham (17) and Billy Murdoch (13) were the only hitters to post a score higher than ten, while the rest of the team was reduced to ashes by the formidable duo of Ted Peate (4/31) & Dick Barlow (5/19). England’s response was lacklustre as well, with Frederick Spofforth’s 7/46 off medium speed helping the tourists bowl England out for 101. Out of the entire team, only George Ulyett (26) & Maurice Read (19*) could perhaps hit a few fair balls.
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However, England took comfort in their 38-run advantage over Australia. Australia’s batting woes carried over into the second inning. Even with contributions from Hugh Massie (55) & captain Murdoch (29), the team was unable to avoid posting yet another disappointing total. With only 85 runs in hand, Australia did not hold a significant edge. England’s Ted Peate shined once more with 4/40. WG Grace scored 32 on the second day, but it wasn’t enough to help England win the Test. In order to win, England required 10 runs as Ted Peate, the last batter for England’s side, came to the plate. Only two goals would be allowed before he was kicked off. As a result of being bowled out for 77, England lost the Test match at home. In the second inning, Frederick Spofforth went 7/44, continuing his monster performance.
In the wake of the game, the press was quite critical. The legendary lines that gave rise to “The Ashes” and fueled the rivalry among both England and Australia were written by the then-weekly English newspaper The Sporting Times.
“In Loving Memory of English Cricket, that passed away at the Oval on August 29, 1882, and is mourned by a wide range of people. Please note that the cremated remains will be sent to Australia after the funeral “This satirical obituary for English cricket was the spark that ignited a rivalry which would ultimately transform the game.
With this, cricket gained a treasure it could treasure as well as its first significant rivalry prior to the emergence of the India vs Pakistan rivalry. On the cricket pitch, an urn known as “The Ashes urn” evolved to represent this rivalry and to serve as a prize worth battling for. It’s thought to be made out of the remains of a burned cricket bail.
In December of that year, Australia hosted the inaugural Ashes series. England returned “The Ashes” to England after winning the series 2-1. Since then, there have been 72 iterations of this series, the majority of which included five Test matches. Australia has swept 34 of these series, and England is close behind with 32 victories. There have been six draws in series. With 5,028 runs, Australian legend Don Bradman leads the Ashes record book. With 195 to his credit, late Australian spin legend Shane Warne holds the record for most Ashes wickets.
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