OTD| The series that gave birth to the Ashes ended today in 1882

The term ‘Ashes‘ originated in 1882 when Australia defeated England at The Oval. This led to the longstanding cricket rivalry, with 325 matches played. Australia leads with 130 wins, while England has 106 wins, and 89 draws. England holds the Ashes currently. After their initial loss, England dominated the next eight series.

It was on this day when the first ever Ashes Test match ended with the Australian team winning the only Test which was played between August 28 to August 29 in the year 1882. The Australian side was led by Billy Murdoch while Monkey Hornby was given a chance to lead the England team. 

The name ‘Ashes’ for the Test series between England and Australia was coined after a pivotal 1882 Test that marked Australia’s remarkable performance on English soil. The single Test at The Oval, concluding on August 29, 1882, sparked a historic rivalry. In the first innings, Australia crumbled for 63 due to Ted Peate and Dick Barlow’s skillful bowling on a challenging pitch. England followed, managing only 101, as Fred Spofforth’s ferocious pace and accuracy yielded seven wickets.

In their second innings, Australia’s opening pair set a foundation at 66, and Hugh Massie’s 55 guided them to 122, an 84-run lead. Despite Australia’s historic inability to win in England, Spofforth’s determination led the way. England’s chase of 85 appeared tense. 

Spofforth’s relentless aggression secured two wickets in consecutive balls upon his entry, reducing England to 53 for four. His subsequent three-wicket burst pushed England to 66 for eight. Another wicket by Harry Boyle left England needing 10 with two wickets left. On the last ball of Boyle’s over, the final English wicket fell, clinching Australia’s nail-biting victory.

In the ensuing 1882-83 series, England’s captain Ivo Bligh vowed to bring back “The Ashes of English cricket” from Australia. However, the term took over two decades to solidify as the official name for the series. In 1903, Australia’s captain Pelham Warner led his team to England to reclaim “the ashes,” firmly establishing the legacy of one of cricket’s most iconic rivalries.