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.” 

2017/18 Ashes

Joe Root led a resurgent England team on their Ashes defence against an Australia team led by Steve Smith. The Ashes series was played at five venues across Australia between 23 November 2017 and 8 January 2018. 

Australia recovered the Ashes on their home soil with a 4-0 series win.

Top Performers:

  • Player of the Series:
    • Steve Smith (Australia): 687 runs at 137.40
  • Top Wicket-Takers:
    • Pat Cummins (Australia): 23 wickets
    • Mitchell Starc & Josh Hazlewood: 22 wickets each
    • James Anderson (England): 17 wickets
  • Top Run-Scorers (England):
    • Dawid Malan: 383 runs
    • Alastair Cook: 376 runs

Legacy:

  • Australia’s pace trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins proved relentless.
  • Steve Smith’s incredible form led from the front.
  • England struggled with lacklustre batting and an ineffective bowling attack in Australian conditions.
  • The win marked a resurgence for Australia after losing the 2015 Ashes in England.

 

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