The Ashes, Origins - The Birth Of ENG vs AUS's Cricketing Rivalry

The Australian team after winning 1882 Oval Test vs England [X]The Australian team after winning 1882 Oval Test vs England [X]

When we talk about the fiercest rivalries in cricket, one immediately pops in mind and that is The Ashes. It is the name given to the red-ball face-off between England and Australia. But why is the series called The Ashes? When and how did this rivalry get its name? 

The build up to a thriller

Well, let us turn the clock back to 1882 and dig into the history books to know more about the origin of this iconic name. During Australia's visit to England this year, the two teams faced off in a single Test match at the Oval. The Australian team batted first in this game and courtesy of lethal bowling spells by Ted Peate (4 for 31) and Dick Barlow (5 for 19) were bowled out for just 63 runs. 

The English team also failed to post a considerable total on the board as they were bowled out for just 101 in their first innings. The destructor-in-chief of the English batting was Frederick Spofforth, who picked up seven wickets for just 46 runs. 

Spofforth destroys England

In their second dig of the game, Australia managed to score 122 and set a target of just 85 runs for the home team. The English team were propelling towards a hard-earned victory when the wicket of WG Grace fell. They were stationed at 53/4 at this stage and were just 32 runs away from the win. It was expected that with six wickets in hand, a team would achieve the runs that were left. 

However, the English team were struck by a Spofforth thunder at this stage. Frederick Spofforth continued his brilliant form from the previous innings and bowled a lethal spell that led to England losing six wickets for just 24 runs. The home team was bundled out for just 77 runs and they lost the match by seven runs. 

The iconic obituary

After the defeat of the home team, Sporting Times, a British Newspaper published a satirical obituary. It stated that English cricket has died and 'the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia'. It was since then that the Test series between England and Australia came to be termed as the Ashes. 

These two teams have played about 340 matches, of which Australia have won 140 and England have won 108. When it comes to the series won, Australia have the edge there too with 34 Ashes wins over England's 32.