According to Lord’s (Home of Cricket) the term 'Ashes' was first used on the 29th August 1882 at The Oval after England was defeated by Australia. Today, the Ashes Urn is kept in the MCC Museum at Lord's along with the score card of the match in 1882 http://www.lords.org/history/the-ashes/ The Ashes urn is reputed to contain a burnt item of cricket equipment, possibly a bail, ball or stump.
Although England won the Ashes last year, it has been 24 years since England last won an Ashes series in Australia, under Mike Gatting, when they claimed a 2-1 series victory. In the intervening years, England have won just three of 25 Tests played on Australian pitches — all in the final Tests when the series was virtually decided (BusinessDay).
So, can England Win the Ashes this week? Double Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff says, “England have a better crop of players than Australia and expects them to retain the coveted urn” http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/9210431.stm. What do you think?
I also really enjoyed watching this great 16 minute video showing some of the best classic Test Match Special Ashes moments! Can’t wait for the 2010 Ashes Series to start on Thursday November 25th! http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/archive/8137396.stm
Many thanks to theashescricketlive.com and i-am-youth.com for pictures.
