Few sporting rivalries carry the weight of emotion, history and national identity quite like The Ashes—a five-match Test series played between England national cricket team and Australia national cricket team. From its almost mythic birth in 1882 to the fierce battles of today, the Ashes encapsulates pride, tradition and the thrill of cricket at its highest level.
In this blog, we’ll take an emotional journey through the origins and storied past of the Ashes, then dive into the current 2025-26 series, where raw emotion, legacy and the relentless will to win are very much alive.
1. The Origins & Early Drama
The story begins in August 1882, when England suffered a shock defeat at home to Australia—its first ever Test loss on home soil. A British newspaper, the The Sporting Times, printed a mock obituary: “English cricket has died, and the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”
Thus, the urn—the tiny symbol of this rivalry—was born, carried by England’s captain Ivo Bligh on the tour to Australia in 1882-83 to “regain the ashes”.
From those early days, the contest became about more than cricket. It was about honour, national pride, legacy. Players became heroes, defeats turned into scars, and each series added another chapter to the legend.
The Ashes has been played roughly biennially, alternating between England and Australia. Over hundreds of Tests and dozens of series, it’s become a living narrative of intense competition.
2. Key Moments in Ashes History
Here are some of the milestones that mark the emotional landscape of this rivalry:
- The dominance of Australia in mid-20th century, especially through the era of Don Bradman, whose bat terrorised England.
- England’s dramatic reclamation in 2005 at home — the series that reignited passion and is often cited as one of the greatest Ashes series ever. (Although the detailed history of that series lies outside our current deep dive.)
- The recent series of the 2020s: In the 2021-22 edition, Australia won 4-0 (with one draw) in Australia.
- The drawn 2023 series in England resulted in Australia retaining the urn
Each of these moments built upon the drama, heartbreak and heroism that define the Ashes. The urn isn’t just a trophy—it’s a symbol of heritage, of generational battle, of something greater than the sum of its parts.
3. Why It Means So Much
There are many reasons the Ashes resonates deeply:
- National pride: For England and Australia, the Ashes is about being the best in Test cricket. It carries history, reputation and bragging rights.
- Tradition and legacy: Families, cities, nations recall previous battles. Players enter the arena not just for themselves, but as custodians of something more.
- Drama and unpredictability: While patterns exist, the Ashes has produced shock collapses, unexpected heroes, and moments that live on in lore.
- Emotional investment of fans: For supporters, the Ashes intertwines with identity—whether it’s the long summer and Boxing Day tests in Australia, or the reverence at Lord’s and other English venues.
In short: the Ashes is not just a series of matches—it is an emotional epic that spans centuries.
4. The 2025-26 Ashes Series: The Battle Now
And now, we arrive at the present. The 2025-26 Ashes series is underway, and the stakes—and emotion—are high.
Key details:
- The series takes place from 21 November 2025 to 8 January 2026, hosted by Australia.
- The opening venue is the Perth Stadium (also known as Optus Stadium), marking its first time hosting an Ashes Test.
- In the first Test, Australia dominated England, winning by 8 wickets and completing the match in just two days—a dramatic and emphatic start.
- Australia currently leads the 5-match series 1-0.
Why this series feels special:
- England enter with the pressure of reclaiming the urn, fixated on breaking Australian dominance.
- Australia look to assert again on home soil, reinforcing their status and riding confidence from the opener.
- The venues and schedule bring strategic shifts—especially starting in Perth, which adds novelty and challenge for both sides.
- Emotion runs high given the early collapse of England: the baggage of past failures and the sting of a quick defeat add fuel. (For example, England’s decision to skip senior players in a tour match ahead of the second Test showed nerves and urgency.
5. What to Watch For & Why It Matters
As a fan, here are the emotional storylines to follow:
- Leadership under pressure: England’s captain Ben Stokes is leading a side that must rediscover belief. Australia’s Pat Cummins is expected to lead but injuries and changes may test his steadiness.
- Turning points in Tests: Test cricket allows for momentum shifts—one bat, one over, one session can change everything. With England already tasting a heavy loss, the second Test looms large.
- Public and cultural emotion: For the fans in Australia, defending at home is a massive source of pride. For England backers, reclaiming the urn is a longing decades in the making.
- Legacy vs Future: Many players are approaching the twilight of careers; others are rising. This series offers chapters both in respect of history and building for what comes next.
6. Bringing It Home
The Ashes is more than cricket. It is story, saga, heart-stopping drama, echoes of past battles, and the unrelenting push for glory. As the 2025-26 series unfolds, it carries all of this and more.
Whether you’re watching for the technical brilliance, the psychological warfare, or the pure emotional resonance, you’re part of something bigger than just five Test matches. You’re witnessing history in motion.
So pick a team, feel the pulse in your chest when the first wicket falls, cherish the triumphs and mourn the tumbled gates—because this is The Ashes.
Let’s raise a metaphorical urn to grit, rivalry, splendour—and let the battle continue.