By Riley Dash
This is an article I had written for the Badger
The latest edition of the ashes is nearly finished, England will look back at this tour as a missed opportunity. All the talk prior to the series was around this being the worst Australia side in History. Despite this the series ended 4-1 to Australia. England can look at this tour with some happiness with them winning their first test match in Australia in 18 test matches. The article will dig into a brief history of the Ashes and give the highlights of each test match.
History:
The Ashes have been a series between England and Australia since 1882. The term ‘ashes’ originated from a British newspaper which said that English has died, and that Australia hold The Ashes. In 1882, then England captain said they would regain the Ashes;it has held that name’s sake ever since.
1st test
The first test match was one with great hope for England, who held a strong belief that they could regain the ashes. However, hopes were dashed quickly, with fast bowler Mitchell Starc claiming 7-58 with the visitors getting a low score of 172 in the first innings of the match. However, in reply the hosts struggled scoring 132, giving England a lead of 40, in a remarkable first innings which lasted around a day for both teams. However, the next day was far more dramatic with England going from being in a comfortable position, to losing the game in 3 hours with a dramatic collapse followed by a batting masterclass by Travis Head who scored 123 runs in just 83 balls. Allowing the hosts to chase down a score just above 200 to ensure a 1-0 lead in the series in just 2 days,
2nd test
The day night test followed, in which history was made. With England’s potentially greatest ever batter, achieving his first century down under. Unfortunately for him, his side around him failed to reach the same heights, with a collapse in the 2nd innings allowing the hosts to cruise to a win, chasing 65 in the final innings. Leading a 2-0 lead and piling the pressure on the England side and the coaching staff.
3rd test
The third test was one marred in controversy, with Snicko being in great focus. Snicko refers to the review system in Australia checking if someone hit the ball. Australian wicketkeeper Carey was on 72 runs, when he appeared to edge the ball behind to the England keeper Smith. However, the equipment was not synced up correctly, leading to Carey being given a reprieve. Despite this, England struggled throughout the game, and never really got a command in the test. Leading to a win of 82 runs by the hosts, and an unassailable 3-0 win therefore retaining the ashes.
Nosa
Controversy arose with some members of the England team such as Duckett and Bethell, appearing to be on a night out, leading to rumours of the former being out drunk, with footage being released.
Boxing day
The boxing day test was one of great controversy with there being 20 wickets in the first innings, with Australia starting the day by batting and ending the day doing the same. However, England eventually were left chasing 175 which they did with a 6-wicket win.
5th test
Despite fabulous centuries by Jacob Bethell and Joe Root, England lost the final test with a collapse in the first innings summarising the series for the visitors.
The ashes continue to be one of the greatest series in cricket if not the world.
Riley Dash 
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