LONDON – England and Australia will renew their storied rivalry on Friday in the first Test of the latest Ashes series at Edgbaston.
But what exactly are the Ashes and why does the contest inspire such passion between two otherwise friendly countries on opposite sides of the world?
AFP Sport explains the history behind one of sport’s oldest and most intense contests.
The facts
The “Ashes” is the name given to the series of Test matches played between England and Australia, generally every two years.
Test matches each last a maximum of five days, with the overall winner of the series presented with a replica of the historic Ashes urn.
Australia are the current holders after winning the 2021/22…
