The Ashes

2006-2007

Origins of The Ashes

The name "The Ashes" was derived from an article written by the journalist Reginald Shirley Brooks, which was published in The Sporting Life following England's defeat by Australia in the Test Match at The Oval on August 29 1882.

The article was in the form of a mock obituary and said:

"In affectionate remembrance of English cricket which died at The Oval, 29th August,1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances, RIP. NB The body will be cremated and the Ashes taken to Australia."

The Ashes trophy is a small urn which is thought to contain the ashes of a cricket bail from the third test match of the England v Australia series in 1882-1883. The Ashes trophy was presented to the Hon. Ivo Bligh by a group of Melbourne women after the test match.

After Bligh died in 1927, his widow presented the trophy to the MCC and The Ashes are now displayed in the cricket museum at Lord's. Although The Ashes are notionally presented to the winning team each series, they have only left Lord's once, on a tour of Australia for their bicentennial celebrations. A Waterford Crystal trophy is now presented to the winning cricket team.

To find out more about how The Ashes has developed over the years, visit our History of The Ashes page.

Format of The Ashes

The Ashes is contested every two years between England and Australia and held in alternate countries. It is the oldest contest in international test cricket, and has been subject to much drama over the last century. The test cricket series is usually held over five Test Matches, although in previous series it has been between three and on one occasion seven Test Matches.

England are the current holders of The Ashes after winning them back from Australia in a 2-1 win in 2005. This was after an 18 year period of dominance by Australia.

Fixtures for The 2006-2007 Ashes

The next series of The Ashes will be played in Australia during the 2006-2007 season:

• 1^st Test Brisbane 23 - 27 November 2006
• 2^nd Test Adelaide 1 - 5 December 2006
• 3^rd Test Perth 14 - 18 December 2006
• 4^th Test Melbourne 26 - 30 December 2006
• 5^th Test Sydney 2 - 6 January 2007

Betting on The Ashes

There are many ways to bet on The Ashes, from the highest run scorer to the overall winner.

For the latest odds on the 2006-2007 Ashes from a range of bookmakers and betting exchanges, visit our Latest Odds section.

The Ashes is only one of many events in the cricket calendar. Check out other Cricket events.

If you are new to betting and want to place a bet on The Ashes be sure to check out our Cricket - How To Bet section for some betting hints and tips.