What is the Ashes Test series and how does it work?

The Ashes Test series between England and Australia is played every two years and is one of cricket's fiercest rivalries.

Usually, the Test series consists of five Tests over several weeks, with the host country alternating between England (and Wales) and Australia every two years. To win, a team must win more Tests than the other team; if it is a draw, the current Ashes holder keeps the Ashes until the next series. 

2027 fixtures: dates, venues, and format

The Ashes Test series returns to English soil in the summer of 2027. The venues and the dates have been confirmed: 

  • 1st Test: 18 to 22 June at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Hosting its twentieth Ashes Test match, it’s known for its high-scoring matches.

  • 2nd Test: 30 June to 4 July at Lord’s in London. Has hosted the Ashes Test series the most and became the first ground in the world to host 150 Test matches. 

  • 3rd Test: 8 to 12 July at Edgbaston in Birmingham. This has historically been Australia’s weakest venue; they’ve lost more than they’ve won here.

  • 4th Test: 21 to 25 July at Utilita Bowl in Southampton. This will be the first time it has been chosen to host an Ashes Test. 

  • 5th Test: 29 July to 2 August at the Kia Oval in London. This has traditionally been the decider venue and is one of only four grounds worldwide to pass 100 Test matches.

In addition to the World Test Championship Final (9-13 June), the Ashes soon after shows a packed summer of world-class cricket Test matches for all to enjoy.

Origin of the name and the urn

The Ashes dates back over 140 years to 1882, when Australia shockingly defeated England at The Oval, marking the first Australian victory on English soil. This prompted a satirical obituary in The Sporting Times, stating that English cricket’s “body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”. 

England captain Hon Ivo Bligh vowed to go to Australia and return with “the ashes”, whilst Australian captain WL Murdoch similarly vowed to defend them. After the series victory at the Rupertswood Estate outside Melbourne, Bligh was gifted a small terracotta urn as a symbol of the ashes he had travelled to Australia to recover. 

This urn stayed in the Bligh estate in Cobham Hall, near Rochester in Kent, until his death 43 years later. At his request, the urn was passed down to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). 

Fun fact: the Ashes urn is only 15cm (6 inches) tall, making it one of the smallest trophies in all of sport. 

What’s inside the urn?

One of the most asked questions about the Ashes is what’s actually inside the urn. This remains a mystery and may continue to be unresolved as the MCC has never opened it to confirm. 

Many believe that it contains the ashes of a cricket bail from the 1882-82 Test match. X-rays have shown only organic material to be contained inside. 

Who keeps the Ashes urn?

A common misunderstanding is that the urn stays with the holders of the Ashes. However, this is incorrect, as it has permanently stayed in the MCC Museum. The winning captain actually lifts a crystal replica made to match it. 

The Ashes head-to-head

England v Australia in the Ashes is not only the fiercest rivalry in cricket by name, but it is also a closely contested head-to-head series. Across all the Ashes series played since 1882, Australia have won 35 times compared to England’s 32. 

In terms of Ashes Test records, Australia also boasts 152 Test wins over England’s 122. As expected, home advantage is a major factor for both sides, as they both have higher winning percentages at home. 

The most recent Ashes finished 4-1 to Australia, who won the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Tests. This helped them extend their run of four consecutive series without having to hand the Ashes urn back to England (two home wins, two away draws). 

Ashes Records

There have been plenty of historic matches and performances played between the two in its 140+ year history. Here is a list of records in the Ashes: 

Batting Records

  • Most runs (career): Australia’s  Don Bradman with 5,028 runs in 37 matches. 

  • Most centuries: Australia’s Don Bradman with 19 Ashes hundreds. 

  • Highest individual score: England’s Len Hutton set the record with 364 at the Oval in 1938. 

  • Most runs in a single series: Australia’s Don Bradman with 974 runs in the 1930 series. 

  • Highest partnership: Australia’s Bill Ponsford and Don Bradman’s 451-run second-wicket stand at the Oval in 1934. 

Bowling Records

  • Most wickets (career): Australia’s Shane Warne with 195 wickets in 36 matches. 

  • Most wickets in a single series: England’s Jim Laker’s 10/53 in an innings and 19/90 in the match, both at Old Trafford - these were world records at the time. 

  • Best bowling figures: England’s Jim Laker’s 4 wickets in the 1956 series, which is still the world record for a Test series. 

  • Most active wickets: Australia’s Mitchell Starc leads all current players with 128 wickets after taking 31 in the 2025-26 series. 

Team and Match Records

  • Highest team total: England’s 903/7 declared at the Oval in 1938, built on Len Hutton’s 364. 

  • Lowest team total: Australia’s 36 all out in Birmingham in 1902. 

  • Biggest winning margin: England by 675 runs in Brisbane, 1928-29. 

Rothesay Men’s Ashes Hospitality Packages

Whenever the Ashes fixtures are announced, it becomes one of the premier events in the sporting calendar. Demand is always going to be high, and for many, securing tickets in the best seats is always the cherry on top. 

Hospitality packages put you at the heart of all the action. With the Ashes hospitality package, you can expect premium seats, premium drinks and dining experience, along with world-class service. 

Secure your place for the Rothesay Men’s Ashes at the Kia Oval now.

Or, register your interest for the other venues here.