Ashes: Mystery and History

THE ASHES - After listening to this word, a bit confusion arises in our mind. The name sounds very different. But believe me the story behind this popular cricket series, their is a very interesting story. To know the story lets go to approximately 136 years back.

THE ASHES SERIES is a bilateral tournament played between Australia and England. This is a story when Australia toured England to play a test match in the year of 1882. The match was organised in the ground of Oval. Due to green and lot of swing in the pitch of Oval, batting condition was very unfavorable as Australia was dismissed at the meager score of 63 runs in their first innings. Being a host, England also couldn't do much better as were bowled out for 101. In the next innings, Australia rode on the blistering 55 runs knock from Hugh Massie and manage to score 122 in the second innings and set a target of 85 runs for the host, which was not at all difficult task for the host team. Something miracle was needed for the kangaroos. At that time, all-rounder Fred Spopforth manage to take some crucial wickets at the much needed time for his team. The hosts were bowled out for 77. Australia won the match as well as one match series by 1-0. First win for Australia on the English soil.

The momentous defeat was recorded by the British media in a very negative manner. They directly mocked the England cricket. British media published a line-

In Affectionate Remembrance of ENGLISH CRICKET, which died at the Oval on 29 August 1882, Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances R.I.P.

N.B.—The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.

After this defeat, the that time captain Ivo Bligh stated that we will go to Australia and bring the Ashes back. From that time 70 series had been played between the two team out of which Australia won 33 and England won 32 and 5 series have been drawn. overall 330 test matches have been played yet Australia got victory in 134 and England shone in 106 and 90 matches has been drawn.

The trophy of the ashes series is unique in its own. It is a 15 cm tall trophy made up of terracotta with a burnt ball inside which was given to Iva Bligh by an Australian women (later became his wife).

From that time in every one or two years this series is played between these two nations and whosoever is the winner regains the Ashes trophy. At present the trophy is with Australia.