The Ashes is a series of test cricket matches which are competed between England and Australia. Originating in 1882, the Ashes is the renewal of one of sports oldest and fiercest rivalries. It typically takes place every two years, and alternates between the two countries. 

The term derives from an English newspaper column, which was written in 1882 following Australia’s victory at the Oval. The writer reported that “English cricket has died”, going on to say that “the body will be cremated, and the ashes will be taken to Australia”. Following this embarrassing defeat, captain Ivo Bligh declared that his side will “regain those ashes”.

The term “Ashes” wasn’t widely used at first, and became more prominent following the retirement of Ivo Bligh. The term caught on in Australia, before gradually becoming the accepted name for this great sporting rivalry.

The trophy itself comes in the form of a small urn, which is around 6 inches, and is made from terracotta. It is widely speculated that it contains the ashes of a burnt cricket ball. Many replicas have been made of the trophy over the years, and regardless of which side is victorious, it remains in the MCC Museum at Lords. The trophy is one of the smallest (physically) prizes in sport, yet it is one of the most fiercely contested.

There have been 70 Ashes series so far, and both nations have been victorious on many occasions. At the time of writing, Australia lead 33-32, with just five series ending all-square. Remarkably, four of these draws took place between 1962 and 1972.

There was a concerted period of English dominance between 1884 and 1896, with Australia winning just one of the first twelve Ashes contests. England won seven series, losing just four tests out of 23. There was no official board of selectors at this time, so it wasn’t unusual for a number of changes to be made with each passing test.

England’s dominance ended following a 2-1 series victory in 1896 under the captaincy of WG Grace.

The 1902 series is one of the most notable Ashes contests especially considering that the first two tests were drawn following a bout of bad weather in the UK. Following this, the Ashes became a little more regimented with the MCC taking charge, and organising the first official tour of Australia. England won this series 3-2.

In 1912, the format briefly changed into a Triangular Tournament which also featured South Africa.

Australia took control of the Ashes series following the First World War with a period of dominance which including a 5-0 whitewash in 1920. England won just a single test between 1918 and 1925.

In 1930, Don Bradman put in a mesmerising performance to score 974 runs at 139.14. This remains a world record Test Series aggregate. His total included making 334 at Headingley.

Australia won the Ashes in 1934, and they held it until 1953. This included a barren period during the Second World War.

Another record was set in 1956 with Jim Laker taking 19 of 20 possible wickets during the course of the test. Richie Benaud was also in formidable form around this time, taking 31 wickets during the course of a five-match test series in 1958.

England failed to win a single series during the 1960s, mainly due to Australia’s powerful array of bowlers.

When the WSC formed in 1977, it meant that the Australian Cricket Board would not select players who had signed up to this organisation, and this severely dented their progress over the next few years.

Australia’s convincing victory of 1989 was arguably one of their finest Ashes performances to date. It contained the likes of Steve Waugh, David Boon and Merv Hughes. They continued to win a number of Ashes series throughout the early 1990s.

The 2005 series was described as one of the most exciting within living memory, and it provided England with their first test success since 1985. It was also the smallest winning margin in Ashes history. Australia regained the trophy just two years later.

When and Where?

The Ashes Series alternates between England and Australia. Each test tends to be staged at a different stadium within that country. In 2019, England will host the Ashes, with Headingley, Lords and Trent Bridge all taking turns to stage a test. It tends to take place at the end of the calendar year, although this is not a fixed agreement, and it is fairly fluid.

Why is it So Popular?

It is one of the greatest sporting rivalries on the planet, and there are plenty of bragging rights at stake. It is very popular with cricket fans as it gives them the chance to see competitive cricket being played at various venues.

Each test match is full of drama and excitement, and the series can often go down to the wire.

What Betting Opportunities Are Available?

Plenty! The Ashes series tends to be priced up months in advance with many additional markets being added to bookmakers websites once the squads are announced.

Key Betting Markets

To Win the Series – Punters can back one of three options when it comes to the Series winner market. The draw is the biggest price as it rarely occurs. This is a case of simply choosing which country will secure bragging rights for the next couple of the years. Bettors will be forced to wait for a pay-out until the series has officially concluded.

Series Correct Score – Bigger odds are available for punters who choose to predict a series score. There are many variations available, and draws can significantly change the outcome. Bettors will often dutch a couple of these correct scores.

To Regain / To Retain the Ashes – This is similar to the series winner market, but takes the draw out of the equation. There can often be variations of this market, but they are often worded slightly differently bookmaker-to-bookmaker.

Series Winner – Draw No Bet – This is a safer way of betting on the test series. Each team will be available at shorter odds, but you will receive your money back if it ends level after five tests.

1st Test Match Winner – Punters can bet on the result of each test throughout the series. Usually, each test will only be priced up once the previous one has concluded. There are three options in this market – England Win, Australia Win or Draw. Your chosen team must be the clear winner following the five days of the test match.

To Win the Toss – A fun 50/50 market which is available throughout the series. Bettors can choose which of the two sides will win the toss and opt to bat or bowl first.

Top England/Australian Batsman – This market allows bettors to pick which batsman will amass the highest number of runs throughout the five-day test match. They must score a higher amount of runs than any other team-mate.

Top England/Australian Bowler – As above, but punters must select which bowler will take the highest amount of wickets during the course of the five-day test match.

Player X to Score a Century – The main protagonists will usually feature in this market. It is possible for punters to choose which batsman (if any) will amass over 100 runs during the course of an innings.

Method of Next Dismissal – How will the next batsman be dismissed? Punters must decide whether it will be bowlers, caught or LBW.

Opening Partnership Total – Punters must decide how many runs the first pair of batsmen will total before either player is dismissed. This will usually go up in increments of 10. Examples include Over 59.5 Runs and Over 69.5 Runs.

Man of the Match – After each series, a Man of the Match will be declared. Punters must decide which player will be the star of the show. Who will catch the eye during each test?

Bobby’s Big Betting Tip for the Ashes

How do the Pitches Shape Up? – It’s always a good idea to take a look at how the pitch will hold up during the course of the five-day test. Some grounds are just perfectly set up for the home side to prevail. In Australian, England rarely have much luck at the Gabba whilst there are certainly UK venues which make it easier for native players. Many of the top players are simply used to competing at this venues, and are aware of every single undulation. Bowlers often know the exact spot to aim for, and this can sometimes catch the opposition out. Obviously, scouting and research can take place, but it could be a different story once the action gets underway.

Always Check the Forecast – Five days is a long time in any sport, and the climate can change dramatically during that time (particularly down under). It’s always worth planning ahead in this regard, as significant time lost to the weather will increase the liklihood of the draw. If you can bet intelligently when it comes to predicting the conditions, it is possible to find value in this market.

Psychology Can Play a Significant Role – Before placing a bet on each test match, it’s always advisable to listen to each team’s press conference, and listen to the various nuances. It is likely that both captains will be feeling bullish about their chances, but occasional nuggets can be extracted. Which side will be able to outsmart their opponents? Are the captains saying things deliberately to get into their opposite numbers’ head? If you can unravel this – it will certainly help matters.

Sky Sports will be broadcasting the entirity of the Ashes Series in 2019, and they will have a dedicated channel which will be showing every single minute of the event.