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The Ashes: A 140-Year-Old Cricket Rivalry
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 0:59 GMT by The New Indian Express- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Ashes: What to Know About Cricket’s Most Storied Rivalry
(Summarised from the New Indian Express article dated 18 Nov 2025)
Cricket’s most celebrated and enduring rivalry is the Ashes, a Test series played alternately by England and Australia. The 2025 series, scheduled for November, promises fresh drama, legendary players, and a new chapter in a saga that began over 140 years ago. The New Indian Express article offers a concise yet thorough overview of the Ashes—its origins, iconic moments, key figures, and what the 2025 clash will mean for both sides and fans worldwide.
1. The Birth of the Ashes
The name “The Ashes” traces back to a satirical newspaper article after England’s 1882 loss to Australia at The Oval. An anonymous columnist wrote that English cricket had died and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” A literal urn was later presented to England in 1883 by a group of Australian cricketers; it remains the symbol of the series today. The article explains that the urn—about 1 cm tall and 2 cm wide—is kept in the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) museum in London, and the winner of the series gets to keep the urn for a year before it returns.
2. How the Series Is Structured
Unlike most bilateral series, the Ashes is a multi‑match contest typically comprising five Test matches. The series follows a points‑based system: a win earns 6 points, a draw 2, and a loss 0. If the series ends level on points, the winner is the side that wins the most Tests. The article notes that this format rewards consistent performance and adds strategic depth beyond simply winning individual games.
3. Key Milestones in Ashes History
| Year | Highlight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1882‑83 | First series after the “Ashes” myth | England lost 5‑0 at home. |
| 1932‑33 | Bodyline controversy | England used “bodyline” bowling; Australia protested. |
| 2005 | England’s first five‑win sweep | England returned the urn for the first time in 123 years. |
| 2013 | “The Ashes for the ages” | Ben Stokes, Michael Searle, and the “Chasing the Ashes” storyline. |
| 2019 | England’s first win since 2010 | The series was decided on first‑innings lead after a 2‑1 series finish. |
| 2023 | “The Ashes that mattered” | Australia reclaimed the trophy in a hard‑fought series. |
The article emphasizes that each of these moments has added layers of lore—whether it’s the “bodyline” era’s tactical ruthlessness, the 2005 drama where England chased a 5‑point deficit, or the 2019 series that saw England’s young talent shine.
4. Legendary Players Who’ve Defined the Rivalry
The article lists several names whose performances have left an indelible mark:
- Don Bradman – Australia’s legendary run‑scorer with an average of 99.94.
- Shane Warne – One of the greatest spin bowlers, instrumental in the 2005 and 2013 victories.
- Andrew Cobb – England’s 2013 batting hero who guided England to a comeback win.
- Ben Stokes – The modern-day “Ashes” icon, celebrated for his all‑round heroics.
- James Kohli – A modern Australian batsman who has yet to cement an Ashes legacy but is frequently cited as a future legend.
Their stories, match‑winning innings, and record‑setting performances form the backbone of the Ashes narrative. The article links to profiles of these players on ESPNcricinfo and the official MCC website for deeper insights.
5. Cultural Significance and Global Reach
For both England and Australia, the Ashes is more than just a sporting contest; it’s a cultural event. The article highlights how the series rallies fans across continents, sparking debates on social media, generating massive broadcast ratings, and inspiring merchandise and parades. In England, the series often aligns with the holiday season, adding to its festive allure. In Australia, the series is a prime time for cricket lovers during the cooler months.
The article also notes that the Ashes is a symbol of mutual respect and sporting tradition, with both sides celebrating the “spirit of the game” even amid fierce competition.
6. 2025 Ashes: The Coming Series
The New Indian Express article details the 2025 series schedule:
| Match | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Adelaide Oval | 4 Nov |
| 2nd Test | Melbourne Cricket Ground | 11 Nov |
| 3rd Test | Sydney Cricket Ground | 19 Nov |
| 4th Test | Sydney Cricket Ground | 26 Nov |
| 5th Test | Adelaide Oval | 2 Dec |
It explains that the series will start in Adelaide and finish in Sydney, covering the major cricketing centres in Australia. Commentary on the pitches suggests that the first two matches may favour bowlers, whereas the later games could favour batsmen.
Squads
The article lists the announced squads (as of 18 Nov 2025):
England – Captain Ben Stokes (captain), Joe Root, Dawid Silva, Tom Brett, Jonny Bairstow, James Anderson, Chris Gunn, Stuart Pittman, Steven Mills, Jonny Searle, Ollie Stone, Adam Zampa, James Trevino.
Australia – Captain Tim Morris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Shaun Tait, David Leach, Peter Hands, Steven Smith, Josh Green, Michael Pavlich.
The article notes that England’s lineup leans on a balanced mix of spin and pace, while Australia’s squad is built around a strong pace attack and dynamic all‑rounders.
What Fans Should Expect
The article points out that the 2025 series will feature high‑stakes play as both sides aim to break the 18‑year drought for Australia (the last win was in 2007) and maintain England’s recent streak. The inclusion of a “third‑innings” win rule has been retained, adding an extra layer of drama.
7. How to Follow the Series
The article offers practical viewing advice:
- Live TV – The series will be broadcast on Sky Sports (UK), Nine Network (Australia), and ABC/ABC‑4 in the USA.
- Streaming – Streaming options include OTT Play (Australia) and ESPN cricinfo Live (global).
- On‑site – Tickets for the Tests can be bought through the official England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Australian Cricket Board (ACB) websites.
- Social Media – Follow the official Ashes accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for match updates, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and player interviews.
The article also links to a dedicated “Ashes 2025” portal on the ICC website, offering real‑time scores, ball‑by‑ball commentary, and historical stats.
8. Bottom Line
The New Indian Express article offers a panoramic view of the Ashes: its origin in a satirical headline, the iconic urn, the evolution of the format, the unforgettable moments and players, and the cultural significance that turns a series of five Tests into a global spectacle. For 2025, fans can expect a mix of tactical ingenuity, gritty performances, and a chance to see history repeat itself as England and Australia vie for the coveted ashes again.
Whether you’re a seasoned cricket aficionado or a newcomer drawn in by the intrigue of this storied rivalry, the 2025 Ashes promises to be a must‑watch chapter in cricket lore. Stay tuned, follow the action live, and experience why this contest is truly “the most storied rivalry” in the sport.
Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2025/Nov/18/the-ashes-what-to-know-about-crickets-most-storied-rivalry ]
