Australia and England share the oldest of rivalries in the world’s second most popular sport (Of course it’s Cricket). Formally known as the Ashes, this 5-Match Test series is a showpiece event of the sport for viewers across the world.
With the ongoing Ashes series being retained by Australia (Leading 2-1) after victory in the 4th Test, its pull up game for England in the 5th Test at Oval. However, as a cricket fan do you know that from where does all this started (I mean the Ashes rivalry)?
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Well, if you don’t then here is a spicy taste of cricket history for you. So, just read it out.
Roll The Clock Back To 1877
It all started 142 years back on the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). David William lead Australian side faced James Lillywhite’s England for a two-match test series. Australia won the first test by a margin of 45 runs and the English side bounced back with a 4 wicket win in the second test to level the series.
However, that’s not where the rivalry started. The first 8 England-Australia test matches were nothing more than any other bi-lateral test series.
The Oval Test Match Of 1882
Five years after the two nations played there first test match the birth of modern-day Ashes rivalry took place. It was the one-off test match for which Australians (Australia being a Colony of Britain at that time) traveled to England. In a low scoring affair, England was handed a target of 85 runs to win in the 4th innings of the match.
The test was marked by a controversial event where English legend WG Grace implemented a run out of Australia’s Sam Joseph when the latter was not trying to complete a run. Furious by this incidence the Australian bowling line up led by Fred Spofforth (Known as ‘ The Demon’) bundled England for 77 runs handing them a 7 run defeat.
Aftermath Of The Oval Test
Disappointed English fans were unable to digest the fact that they were beaten by colonists. An English journalist Reginald Brooks published a mock obituary saying that the England cricket has died.
This aroused the English crowd to bring back the title. Three weeks after the Oval test the two sides again squared off in a three-match test-series where England defeated Australia 2-1 after falling down in the first test. The general consensus was attained that the English side has retained the Ashes.
So, did you like this blast from the past? Tell us which is your favorite Ashes moment? Also, do let us know what is your opinion on England’s bounce back chances in the 5th Test or would it be a 3-1 triumph for Australia.
