The Ashes, the legendary cricket series between England and Australia, began in 1877 with the first-ever Test match played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The rivalry quickly grew after England lost to Australia on home soil in 1882, prompting a satirical obituary in The Sporting Times declaring that “English cricket had died, and the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” 

1970/71 Ashes

Ray Illingworth led the English team on the 1970/71 Ashes tour. The series was contested over seven Test matches after the 3rd Test match at the MCG was washed out and replayed as the 5th Test . England beat Bill Lawry's Australians 2–0 to retain the Ashes. It was the the only full Test series in Australia in which the home team failed to win a single Test and Bill Lawry was axed at the end of the 6th Test in favour of Ian Chappell.

During the decisive 7th Test at the SCG, England had walked off the field in protest after fast bowler John Snow was manhandled by an Australian supporter on the boundary line. Ray Illingworth led his team back after calm had been restored on the Sydney Hill to regain the Ashes with a 62 run victory.

The first ever One Day International took place at the MCG during this tour after the rain washout of the 3rd Test.

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