The Ashes series – Battle for honor

Do you know why it is called The Ashes and not simply Test cricket? Why is it so much more popular than regular Test cricket?

It is because it carries a much different burden and honor of the two countries, Australia and England.

The Ashes series is a Test cricket series played between Australia and England. If the Test match includes other teams, it will not be considered in the Ashes series.

This cricket series has been played for a long time; it is unlikely to end. It is played every year and is in a 5-test format.

What makes it Different?

The Ashes series is the ultimate contest in Test cricket. It is a contest where both sides give their all, putting everything they have on the line.

It is the place where everything comes down to a closure.

The Ashes series has been played since 1882, and ever since, both teams have always gone all out to ensure they do not lose the match where they have bet everything. It offers high-level plays that have never been seen before.

This fierce and intense series carries extreme esteem for each country alongside the wishes of their people.

The winning team is given an Ashes urn to symbolize their triumph in the series.

Ashes are the combination of tear, blood, sweat, honor, and pride, and when these things combine, it pushes each player on the ground to give their all or exceed their limits and reach new heights creating memorable plays and making Ashes unique.

How it came to be

The first Test match between Australia and England was played in Melbourne, Australia in 1877. At the time, it was not called the Ashes.

It bore the name of Ashes in 1882 after Australia won an impossible match.

Australia made a mere 63 runs in their first innings and England made a total of 101 runs.

In the second innings, Australia amazingly made 55 runs off 60 balls and managed to reach 122 runs. This left England with a mere 85-run target.

Fred Spofforth, a fast bowler, refused to give up, and said “This thing can be done”. He took four wickets, leaving England short of 8 runs to win.

The news of this match spread far and made a mockery of the English team. In one of the newspapers, this was written as a mocking remark for the English team

Less known facts about Ashes Series

1. The Ashes urn is the smallest trophy in international sports measuring only 11 cm (4.33 inches) in height.
   • This urn is symbolic and the winning team is awarded a larger replica trophy.
2. The Ashes series was suspended during World Wars I and II.
   • Hence, several unofficial Ashes matches were held to raise money for war relief organizations.
3. The 1932-33 Ashes series or the Bodyline series. is infamous for the use of controversial tactics by England bowlers to keep Don Bradman from scoring.
   • This tactic led to a change in the laws of cricket.
4. In the first Test of the 1993 Ashes series, Australian spinner Shane Warne bowled his famous “Ball of the Century”.
   • The delivery is widely regarded as one of the greatest balls ever bowled in cricket
5. The Australian team led by Sir Don Bradman in the 1948 Ashes series is often referred to as the “Invincibles” because they went undefeated throughout the tour, winning 4-0 in the Ashes series.

Unforgettable Moments in Ashes Series

1. The Ball of the Century (1993): Shane Warne the then-unknown spinner was brought into the attack in his first-ever appearance on English soil. Mike Gatting, known for his ability to handle spin, was at the opposite end. It pitched wide and well outside of Gatting’s leg stump before slamming back across his pad and bat and nicking off-stump.
2. Stokes Miracle at Headingley (2019): Ben Stokes‘ outstanding innings against Australia in 2019 engraved his name in the Ashes history. The home team was at 41 score with 3 wickets and needed a massive 359 to win. While others around him fell, he stood strong with a 135 not-out performance. Stokes made one of the greatest comebacks ever to be seen in the Ashes series.
3. Nathan Lyon bats through injury (2023): Even if was not able to stand properly because of the torn calf, he still played the second innings. His going out to the field despite his injury summarises the Australian’s aggressive way of playing cricket which is not to be taken lightly.
4. Flintoff consoles Brett Lee (2005): Australia came incredibly close to winning the Ashes at Edgbaston, one of the narrowest Test matches in Ashes history, falling short by only two runs. But after the final wicket was taken, Andrew Flintoff went to comfort Brett Lee, the last batsman, embodying true sportsmanship.
5. Peter Siddle’s birthday hat trick (2010): No one can ever forget Peter Siddle’s 26th Birthday hat trick. One of the most memorable three-wicket hauls in Ashes history against the dominant England side.
6. Jim Laker takes 19 wickets (1956): A bowler has not since matched Laker’s milestone of taking 19 out of a possible 20 wickets in a Test match at Old Trafford in 1956. As of right now, Laker is regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers in history.

Conclusion

The cricket Ashes series is a testament to England and Australia’s sportsmanship and century-long rivalry.

It serves as the ultimate competition between the two countries. No other series will ever be able to capture the tension and friendly competition that this one does.

The number of near misses and surprises in the Ashes series never ceases to amaze viewers.

The Ashes Series is the best series ever played as a result of everything.