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.”
England led by Mike Brearley dominated the series, winning 3 matches and drawing 2. Greg Chappell led Australia who faced challenges with team harmony impacted as the Packer war broke out during the tour.
Australia was “very much in a rebuilding phase” with several key players having recently retired, including Ian Chappell, Ross Edwards, Ian Redpath, and Ashley Mallett. The absence of Dennis Lillee due to injury was particularly damaging to Australia’s prospects.
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