The Ashes 2025/26

The Ashes is a bilateral Test cricket series contested between England and Australia. The rivalry traces its name to 1882, when a satirical obituary in The Sporting Times declared English cricket dead following Australia’s first Test victory on English soil at The Oval. English captain Ivo Bligh vowed to reclaim the spirit of the game during the 1882–83 tour, and the contest has carried the name ever since. The first Test between the two nations took place in 1877, predating the origin story.

The series is organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA). The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) serves as the custodian of the Ashes urn at Lord's Cricket Ground. The format typically involves five Test matches played biennially, with venues alternating between England and Australia. The trophy is not awarded to the winner in the traditional sense; if the series ends in a draw, the current holder retains it. This rule has shaped the tactical approach to the final Test in many campaigns.

Historical records show Australia has won 35 series, while England has claimed victory 32 times, with 7 series drawn. In the most recent encounter, the 2025–26 series, Australia secured a 4–1 victory. The competition is distinct as an exclusively Test series, relying on the multi-day format rather than the shorter One Day International or Twenty20 International versions found in other bilateral arrangements. It stands as the oldest and most prestigious bilateral rivalry in cricket, separate from multilateral events such as the World Cup.