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The Ashes is a biennial Test cricket contest played between England and Australia. The series is named after the trophy, which is a small wooden urn said to contain the burnt bails from an 1882 game at The Oval. Each Ashes series typically consists of five Test matches, and the series alternate between the two countries.

In the cricketing world, The Ashes is regarded as one of the sport's most famous and fierce rivalries. Notable Ashes series took place in 1932/33 (the Bodyline tour), 1948 (Sir Donald Bradman's "Invincibles" Australian side) and 1981 (in which an England team spearheaded by Ian Botham won a thrilling series). The 2005 Ashes series is currently ongoing in England, and is widely expected to be one of the most closely contested of recent years. (more...)

Other featured articles: A. E. J. Collins – Bodyline – Brian Close – History of Test cricket (to 1883) – History of Test cricket (1884 to 1889) – Sydney Riot of 1879