The Ashes: History & Format
The Ashes is the pinnacle of Test cricket, representing the historic and fierce rivalry between England and Australia. The legend began in 1882 when Australia first defeated England on home soil, leading a British newspaper to print a satirical obituary stating English cricket had died and its ashes would be taken to Australia. The two nations now battle for a tiny terracotta urn containing those metaphorical ashes.
The traditional format consists of a five-match Test series hosted alternately by the two nations. A series draw results in the previous winner retaining the urn. Today, the event encompasses both the Men's and Women's series, drawing massive global streaming audiences.
Upcoming Ashes Schedule (2026–2031)
2027 Men's Ashes (England)
- The 2027 Men's Ashes series will take place in England from June 18 to August 2.
- This series features five Tests hosted at Trent Bridge, Lord's, Edgbaston, the Rose Bowl, and The Oval.
- The Rose Bowl will host a Men's Ashes Test for the very first time in 2027.
2029/2030 Men's Ashes (Australia)
- Australia will host the 2029/2030 Ashes Series starting in November 2029 and finishing in January 2030.
- The tour will consist of the classic five-match Test format.
2031 Women's Ashes (England)
- The Ageas Bowl in Hampshire will host a Women's Ashes Test match in 2031.
- This landmark fixture will mark the first time a Women's Test match is hosted at the Hampshire ground.
The Ashes: Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the most Ashes series?
Historically, Australia holds the edge over England. Out of the 74 Ashes series played up to the 2025-26 season, Australia has won 35 times, while England has won 32 times. There have been seven series that ended in a draw.
What happens if an Ashes series ends in a draw?
If a five-match series ends in a tie (for example, 2-2), the team that previously won and held the Ashes retains the urn. Australia has retained the Ashes after a drawn series six times, while England has only done so once.
What is actually inside the Ashes urn?
The small terracotta urn is approximately 11 cm tall. It is widely believed to contain the burnt ashes of a cricket bail used during the 1882-83 series.
Fascinating Ashes Records & Trivia
- A Satirical Birth The concept of "The Ashes" was born from a mock obituary published in The Sporting Times in 1882. After Australia defeated England at The Oval, the paper joked that English cricket had died and its body would be cremated and taken to Australia.
- The Real Urn Seldom Travels Despite the teams battling for it, the original Ashes urn is too fragile to travel and remains permanently housed in the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) museum at Lord's. The victorious team is given a replica trophy to celebrate with.
- Bradman’s Unbreakable Record Australian legend Sir Donald Bradman scored a staggering 5,028 runs across 20 Ashes Test matches at an average of 89.78. He holds the record for the most centuries (19) in the history of the competition.
- Warne’s Magic The late Shane Warne claimed a record 195 wickets across 36 Ashes Tests. He famously delivered the "Ball of the Century" during the 1993 series to bowl Mike Gatting around his legs.
- The Longest Streaks Both Australia and England have achieved winning streaks of eight consecutive Ashes series. England's streak ran from 1882 to 1890, while Australia dominated for 16 years from 1989 to 2005.
- Whitewash History Winning an Ashes series 5-0 is incredibly rare. Australia achieved this "whitewash" feat in 1920-21, 2006-07, and 2013-14.
