One of the most famous and amusing anecdotes in cricket history concerns the iconic phrase: "The Ashes" and the birth of one of the most intense rivalries in the sport between England and Australia.
The Birth of the "Ashes" (1882)
The Context:
In 1882, Australia visited England to play a test cricket match at the famous stadium The Oval in London. At the time, England were considered the dominant team, and losing to Australia seemed unthinkable.
The Event:
During the match, Australia did something incredible: they won against England with a stunning performance, beating the hosts by just 7 runs in a dramatic finish. For the English public, it was a historic humiliation.
The reaction:
The next day, a British newspaper, The Sporting Times, published a humorous obituary that read:
"English cricket is dead. His body will be cremated and his ashes taken to Australia."
This playful remark gave rise to the term "The Ashes," which became a symbol of the rivalry between the two nations.
The Ashes Cup
In 1883, during another series between England and Australia, a group of Australian fans handed a small urn containing "ashes" to the English. Although it is a joke, the urn is said to contain the remains of a burnt cricket ball.
Since then, this urn has become the symbolic trophy of the Ashes series, one of the most anticipated and heartfelt competitions in the world of cricket.
Why is it Memorable?
The history of the Ashes embodies the competitive spirit, humor and passion of cricket. Since that day, every match between England and Australia has carried the legacy of that obituary, and every victory is a chapter in a legendary rivalry.
