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.” 

2023 Ashes

Pat Cummins led an experienced Australian team to England for a 5 Test series. Ben Stokes was the England captain.

Australia went 2-0 up in the series, after Stoke's calculations with Bazball cricket went awry in the first 2 Tests. In an epic finale, England drew the series 2-2 after winning the fifth Test by 49 runs. Stuart Broad had a fairytale farewell in dramatic scenes at The Oval when he had danger man Alex Carey (28) out to secure the win.

Australia retained the Ashes despite the series draw as they were the prior holders. The Top Performers were:

Batting Highlights:

  • Usman Khawaja (Aus) topped the charts with 496 runs (average ~49.6)  
  • Zak Crawley (Eng) contributed 480 runs (avg ~53.3)  
  • Consistent efforts from Joe Root (412), Ben Stokes (405), and Steve Smith (373)   

Bowling honours:

  • Mitchell Starc (Aus) led wicket-taking with 23 scalps  
  • Stuart Broad (Eng) took 22 wickets, while Chris Woakes added 19   

Player of the Series: Starc from Australia and Woakes from England shared the award.

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