Cricket · Guide

The Ashes explained

England against Australia in Test cricket, for a tiny urn: the oldest rivalry in the sport. The next series is in England in the summer of 2027.

Where the name comes from

In 1882 Australia beat England at the Oval, and a newspaper printed a mock obituary saying English cricket had died and "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia". When England toured Australia that winter, their captain, Ivo Bligh, vowed to win them back, and a small urn, said to hold the ashes of a burnt bail, became the prize.

The original urn is kept at the MCC Museum at Lord's. Winning captains lift a replica.

How it works

• A Test series, usually five matches, alternating between England and Australia.
• The side that wins the series takes the Ashes. If the series is drawn, the holders keep them.
• There is also a women's Ashes, decided on points across Tests, ODIs and T20s.

The 2027 series in England

Australia tour England in the summer of 2027. Every match, venue and result will be on the Australia in England 2027 page as it happens. England's home Tests are live on Sky Sports in the UK, with highlights on the BBC.

Before then, England's winter tours are on the cricket fixtures page.

Quick answers

What are the Ashes in cricket?

The Test series between England and Australia, played for a tiny urn. It is the oldest and most famous rivalry in cricket, first contested in 1882–83.

When is the next Ashes series?

In England in the summer of 2027. The fixtures, venues and results are on the Australia in England 2027 page.

What happens if the Ashes series is drawn?

The team holding the Ashes keeps them.

What is in the Ashes urn?

Said to be the ashes of a burnt bail, from the tour of 1882–83. The original urn stays at Lord's.