Some rivalries in sport fade with time. The Ashes? Never. England vs Australia is not just a Test series, it’s cricket’s greatest saga. Steeped in over a century of drama, pride, controversy and brilliance, the Ashes has produced some of the most iconic moments the game has ever seen.
As we look ahead to The Ashes 2025-26, returning to Australian soil, there’s no better time to revisit the moments that have made this rivalry legendary. Here are just a few of the historic highlights that remind us why this series still matters more than most.
The Birth of The Ashes (1882)
It all began with a cheeky newspaper obituary. After England lost to Australia at The Oval for the first time on home soil, a mock death notice claimed that English cricket had died and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”
The legend of the Ashes was born.
Later that year, England captain Ivo Bligh travelled to Australia, and was presented with a tiny urn, believed to contain the ashes of a cricket bail. That urn, still housed at Lord’s, became the symbol of the most storied rivalry in cricket.
The Don Dominates (1930s-1948)
No Ashes history is complete without Sir Donald Bradman. The Australian run machine tormented English bowlers for years, averaging 89.78 in Ashes Tests.
His most famous moment came in 1930, when he scored a then-record 974 runs in a single series. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Bodyline Series (1932-33)
England’s controversial response to Bradman’s brilliance came during the infamous Bodyline Tour. Under Douglas Jardine, England employed aggressive short-pitched bowling aimed at the body, a tactic that rattled Australia and sparked diplomatic outrage.
It was brutal. It was divisive. But it changed the rules of the game and remains one of the Ashes’ most talked-about chapters.
Botham’s Ashes (1981)
Fast forward to 1981 and enter Sir Ian Botham.
With England seemingly down and out at Headingley, Botham produced one of cricket’s greatest ever all-round performances. A counterattacking century followed by Bob Willis’ fiery bowling turned the tide, and England went on to win the series against the odds.
To this day, “Botham’s Ashes” is shorthand for cricketing heroics when it matters most.
2005: The Greatest Series of All Time?
Ask any England fan over 30, and 2005 still gives them goosebumps.
Michael Vaughan’s team, powered by Andrew Flintoff’s all-action performances, reclaimed the urn for the first time in 18 years. Edgbaston. Trent Bridge. The Oval. Every Test was a classic.
The narrow margins, raw emotion, and wild celebrations made this a summer no cricket fan will ever forget.
Headingley 2019: Ben Stokes’ Miracle
Another moment etched into Ashes folklore – Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 135 at Headingley.
With England nine wickets down and 73 runs still needed, Stokes played arguably the greatest innings in Test history. He farmed the strike, hit sixes, and with the help of Jack Leach’s glasses-cleaning cameo, secured a win that felt impossible.
The Ashes were eventually drawn 2-2, but Stokes’ miracle made that summer unforgettable.
Looking Ahead to Ashes 2025-26
With The Ashes 2025-26 heading to Australia, the stage is set once again for another epic chapter. England will be hunting revenge after recent defeats Down Under, while Australia will aim to hold on to the urn in front of their home crowds.
Venues like the MCG, SCG, Adelaide Oval and the Gabba will host the battles and with stars like Ben Stokes, Pat Cummins, Zak Crawley, and Marnus Labuschagne in the mix, there’s every chance we’ll witness more history in the making.
Experience Ashes History in Style
At Impulse Decisions, we believe iconic sport deserves iconic experiences. That’s why we offer exclusive cricket hospitality packages including premium seating, luxury dining, and insider access that turns a matchday into a memory.
The Ashes isn’t just about cricket. It’s a clash of cultures, a test of nerve, and a celebration of the sport at its most competitive. Each series brings new heroes, new drama, and new reasons to fall in love with the game all over again.
Don’t just watch it on TV. Be there when history is made.
Get in touch with Impulse Decisions to find out more about our sports hospitality packages and secure your place at the most iconic rivalry.