Only a handful days are left for the completion of the World Cup, as the focus will turn to red ball cricket. One of the biggest sporting events, the much-anticipated Ashes series is all set to begin from 1st August 2019. The oldest rivalry in the World Cricket, England-Australia Ashes series has produced one of the finest Tests matches in the history of Test cricket. Be it excitement, drama, or the never-ending banters, Cricket’s oldest rivalry- Ashes isn’t just a Test series. The series has seen a host of spellbound performances from the players- some of which still eked in the hearts of people across the globe.
Started back in 1882-83, England’s tour of Australia, there have been a total of 70 Ashes series organized till now, with Australia winning 33, while England have won 32. England and Australia last played the Ashes in 2017-18 series in Australia. The defending Ashes holders, England went to Australia to play a five-match Test series between 23 November 2017 and 8 January 2018. Australia decimated England, winning the series 4-0 under the leadership of Steve Smith. England will look to fight back when they will hit the ground running for the first of five match series on 1st August, 2019.
- The first Test between England and Australia was held at The Gabba, Brisbane. Australia registered a clinical 10-wicket victory over England.
- The second Test between both the nations held in Adelaide Oval. Australia registered an emphatic 120-run victory over England.
- The third Test saw Australia taking on England at Perth. Australia posted their highest score in an Ashes test at home as Steve Smith and Co. won the match by an innings and 41 runs.
- The fourth test between England and Australia saw rain ending the game in a draw.
- The fifth Test saw Australia winning the test once again by an innings and 123 runs. Pat Cummins won the man of the match award for impressive bowling performance.
The then Australian skipper Steve Smith scored the most number of runs in the series. Smith notched as many as 687 runs, followed by Shaun Marsh (445) and David Warner (441). Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, picking as many as 23 wickets, while Mitchell Starc took 22 scalps in the series.