The Legends of the Ashes: Why Cricket is Called 'The Ashes'

Cricket, with its rich history and passionate fans, has a number of fascinating tales that have become part of the sport's folklore. Among these is the story of 'The Ashes,' a fiercely contested international cricket series between England and Australia. Here, we will explore the origins and significance of this legendary competition.

Origin and Early History

It all began in 1882, a pivotal moment in cricket history. Australia defeated England at The Oval in London, marking the first time Australia triumphed on English soil. This unexpected outcome deeply upset English cricket fans and the media. One response to this shocking defeat was a satirical obituary published in a British newspaper, The Sporting Times.

The obituary humorously declared the death of English cricket and stated that 'The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.'

A Mock Obituary and an Unexpected Victory

Following the match, a British newspaper, The Sporting Times, published a satirical obituary, and the following day, the English cricket team sought to reclaim what was humorously dubbed 'The Ashes.'

This mock obituary declared:

"To The Public. Australia, the eternal home of cricket, is about to lose her greatest game. England has sank, John Tyler is dead, the day is lost. The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia."

The First Ashes Series

With the return series planned, the English team was keen to reclaim 'The Ashes.' They embarked on a grueling tour to Australia with the purpose of regaining these mythical 'ashes.' During the 1882–83 series, led by Ivo Bligh, the English team managed to beat Australia.

Upon winning the series, Bligh received an unusual gift. A group of Australian women burnt a stump and placed the ashes into a little wooden urn, which they presented to the England captain. This act, symbolic of commemorating the defeat of England, marked the beginning of the tradition.

Perpetuating the Legend

Since this first series, every contest between the two countries has been referred to as an attempt to retain or regain 'The Ashes.' The term has become so ingrained in cricket culture that it is now synonymous with the rivalry between England and Australia.

However, the actual urn that contained the ashes of the stump used in the third match was not the original. Over time, as the legend grew, a replica urn is now used for the series, while the original is kept under lock and key at Lord's Cricket Ground Museum.

Conclusion

The Ashes is more than just a cricket series; it is a story of tradition, rivalry, and national pride. From the satirical obituary to the symbolic urn, the history of 'The Ashes' continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts around the world, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated rivalries in sports history.