Known for its celebrated rivalry, Ashes is considered as biggest event in international cricket. More than a game, Ashes is a war on ground between Australia and England. The history of Ashes dates back to 1882, and it is held after every 18-30 months. Generally an Ashes series consists of five Test matches which will be played under the regular rules for international Test-match cricket. If a series is drawn then the country holding the Ashes will be retaining the cup. The evolution of the term Ashes is related to a news article appeared in a newspaper in 1882, which quoted of the defeat of English side calling it the death of English by Aussies. They further added that the funeral of England is over and the ashess will be taken to Australia. The English media then dubbed the next English tour to Australia (1882–83) as the attempt to regain the Ashes.

The current Ashes cup is held by Australia after it defeated the England side 5-0 in 2006-07. England will host the next Ashes in 2009. Even though there had been Test matches between England and Australia since 1877, the Ashes legend dates back only to the ninth Test Match, played in 1882. There has been 64 Ashes series being played out of which Aussies winning 31 and England grabbing 28 wins. Five series came out with no result. Even though the Ashes is played over five Test matches, there have been both four match series played at times.

Once considered as the strongest side, the English team but is unfortunate to kiss the Ashes for past 16 years from 1989. The complete domination of Aussies have dulled the lustre of the eventin recent years. Generally, the series is held within the two countries alternatively and five matches are played in difernt venues. The main venues in Australia are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adlaide, while The Oval, Old Trafford, Lords, Trent Bridge, Headingly, and Edgbaston hosts the matches in England. The next Ashes series will played in 2009 in Australia.

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