The Ashes is the oldest and most celebrated rivalry in international cricket — a five-Test Test series played between England and Australia. Since its inception in 1882, this iconic contest has captivated generations of fans, producing unforgettable moments, legendary players, and fierce competition. Over more than 140 years, the Ashes has grown to symbolize passion, national pride, and the pinnacle of Test cricket rivalry.
This ultimate guide to the Ashes series history provides everything you need — from the origin of the urn, through every ashes winners list from 1882 to 2025, to the most memorable ashes results and defining moments.
What Are the Ashes? An Introduction to the Rivalry
The Ashes is the name given to Test series played between England and Australia — two of the oldest and most storied cricketing nations. The contest began in 1882 after England lost to Australia at The Oval in London, prompting a satirical obituary in a British newspaper declaring that English cricket had “died” and that “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” That spirited phrase — The Ashes — became the name of the series ever since.
Traditionally, a series consists of five Test matches (though earlier formats varied), and the team that wins more matches over the series wins the Ashes. If both teams win an equal number of Tests, the series is drawn and the country already holding the Urn retains it.
This guide presents the ashes winners list from 1882 to 2025 and provides context to the most memorable moments in ashes series history.
Complete Ashes Winners List: Every Series from 1882 to 2025
Below is the official series-by-series Ashes winners list, including host, first match date, matches played, results, and champions up to 2025.
| Years | Host | First Match | Tests | AUS | ENG | Draw | Winner |
| 1882–83 | Australia | 30 Dec 1882 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | England |
| 1884 | England | 11 Jul 1884 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | England |
| 1884–85 | Australia | 12 Dec 1884 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | England |
| 1886 | England | 5 Jul 1886 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | England |
| 1886–87 | Australia | 28 Jan 1887 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | England |
| 1887–88 | Australia | 10 Feb 1888 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | England |
| 1888 | England | 16 Jul 1888 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | England |
| 1890 | England | 21 Jul 1890 | 2 (3) | 0 | 2 | 0 | England |
| 1891–92 | Australia | 1 Jan 1892 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Australia |
| 1893 | England | 17 Jul 1893 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | England |
| 1894–95 | Australia | 14 Dec 1894 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | England |
| 1896 | England | 22 Jun 1896 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | England |
| 1897–98 | Australia | 13 Dec 1897 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Australia |
| 1899 | England | 1 Jun 1899 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Australia |
| 1901–02 | Australia | 13 Dec 1901 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Australia |
| 1902 | England | 29 May 1902 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Australia |
| 1903–04 | Australia | 11 Dec 1903 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | England |
| 1905 | England | 29 May 1905 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | England |
| 1907–08 | Australia | 13 Dec 1907 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Australia |
| 1909 | England | 27 May 1909 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Australia |
| 1911–12 | Australia | 15 Dec 1911 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | England |
| 1912 | England | 27 May 1912 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | England |
| 1920–21 | Australia | 17 Dec 1920 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | Australia |
| 1921 | England | 28 May 1921 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Australia |
| 1924–25 | Australia | 19 Dec 1924 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Australia |
| 1926 | England | 12 Jun 1926 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | England |
| 1928–29 | Australia | 30 Nov 1928 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | England |
| 1930 | England | 13 Jun 1930 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Australia |
| 1932–33 | Australia | 2 Dec 1932 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | England |
| 1934 | England | 8 Jun 1934 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Australia |
| 1936–37 | Australia | 4 Dec 1936 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | Australia |
| 1938 | England | 10 Jun 1938 | 4 (5) | 1 | 1 | 2 | Draw → Australia retains |
| 1946–47 | Australia | 29 Nov 1946 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Australia |
| 1948 | England | 10 Jun 1948 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Australia |
| 1950–51 | Australia | 1 Dec 1950 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Australia |
| 1953 | England | 11 Jun 1953 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | England |
| 1954–55 | Australia | 26 Nov 1954 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | England |
| 1956 | England | 7 Jun 1956 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | England |
| 1958–59 | Australia | 5 Dec 1958 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Australia |
| 1961 | England | 8 Jun 1961 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Australia |
| 1962–63 | Australia | 30 Nov 1962 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | Draw → Australia retains |
| 1964 | England | 4 Jun 1964 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Australia |
| 1965–66 | Australia | 10 Dec 1965 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | Draw → Australia retains |
| 1968 | England | 6 Jun 1968 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | Draw → Australia retains |
| 1970–71 | Australia | 27 Nov 1970 | 6 (7) | 0 | 2 | 4 | England |
| 1972 | England | 8 Jun 1972 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Draw → England retains |
| 1974–75 | Australia | 29 Nov 1974 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | Australia |
| 1975 | England | 10 Jul 1975 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Australia |
| 1977 | England | 16 Jun 1977 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | England |
| 1978–79 | Australia | 1 Dec 1978 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | England |
| 1981 | England | 18 Jun 1981 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | England |
| 1982–83 | Australia | 12 Nov 1982 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Australia |
| 1985 | England | 13 Jun 1985 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | England |
| 1986–87 | Australia | 14 Nov 1986 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | England |
| 1989 | England | 8 Jun 1989 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | Australia |
| 1990–91 | Australia | 23 Nov 1990 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Australia |
| 1993 | England | 3 Jun 1993 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | Australia |
| 1994–95 | Australia | 25 Nov 1994 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Australia |
| 1997 | England | 5 Jun 1997 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Australia |
| 1998–99 | Australia | 20 Nov 1998 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Australia |
| 2001 | England | 5 Jul 2001 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Australia |
| 2002–03 | Australia | 7 Nov 2002 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Australia |
| 2005 | England | 21 Jul 2005 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | England |
| 2006–07 | Australia | 23 Nov 2006 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | Australia |
| 2009 | England | 8 Jul 2009 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | England |
| 2010–11 | Australia | 25 Nov 2010 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | England |
| 2013 | England | 10 Jul 2013 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | England |
| 2013–14 | Australia | 21 Nov 2013 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | Australia |
| 2015 | England | 8 Jul 2015 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | England |
| 2017–18 | Australia | 23 Nov 2017 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Australia |
| 2019 | England | 1 Aug 2019 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Draw → Australia retains |
| 2021–22 | Australia | 8 Dec 2021 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Australia |
| 2023 | England | 16 Jun 2023 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Draw → Australia retains |
| 2025–26 | Australia | 21 Nov 2025 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Australia |
Ashes Series History: Highlights & Classic Moments
Origins of the Ashes (1882–1900)
The first official Ashes series was played in 1882–83 in Australia, with England winning the three-Test series despite Australia taking the first plaudits in 1882.
Between the Wars & The Don Bradman Era
Australia dominated in the early 20th century and between the World Wars, especially with legends like Don Bradman rewriting batting records.
Post-War Cricket & “The Invincibles”
In 1948, Australia’s “Invincibles” toured England undefeated, a legendary feat in ashes series history.
Modern Era & The Revival (2005)
The 2005 Ashes is frequently cited as one of the greatest Test series ever, with England reclaiming the urn after long Aussie dominance
Trends and Insights from the Ashes Winners List
Australia Holds a Narrow Lead
While the ashes winners list shows an almost even split between Australia and England, Australia has a slight edge overall — a testament to their sustained excellence across eras.
Drawn Series Are Historic Moments
In Ashes ashes results, drawn series — where neither side wins more Tests — are significant because the current holder retains the urn. Notable drawn series occurred in 2019 and 2023.
The Contest Has Evolved Dramatically
From the pioneering battles of the late 19th century to the strategic modern Test cricket of the 21st century, Ashes cricket has mirrored the evolution of the sport itself. The rivalry brought forward:
- Faster bowling eras.
- High-pressure chase strategies.
- Tactical captaincy innovations.
- Legends whose performances define cricket history.
Every chapter reflects an evolution in skill, athleticism, and competitive intensity.
Iconic Moments in Ashes Series History
Beyond the winners list and series results, Ashes history is enriched by unforgettable moments:
Botham’s Ashes (1981)
England’s comeback victory, led by Ian Botham, is often cited as one of the greatest turnaround campaigns in cricket. England recovered from dire positions to win the series, sparking jubilation across the cricketing world.
Bradman’s Dominance
Sir Donald Bradman’s batting achievements in Ashes Tests — including his phenomenal average — are benchmarks in cricket and part of broader Ashes lore.
The Bodyline Series (1932–33)
Though controversial, this series remains one of the most talked-about tactical confrontations in cricket history. The sharp bowling tactics used by Australia against England shaped future laws and ignited passionate debate.
Modern Battles and Close Finishes
Matches in the 21st century — including dramatic Tests in Australia and England — have produced tight finishes, strategic masterstrokes, and breathtaking individual performances.
These moments aren’t just results on a page; they are stories, legends, and lasting legacies of Ashes series history.
Where the Ashes Stand Today (2025)
As of the 2025–26 series:
- Australia are the current Ashes holders, having won the series and the urn.
- The rivalry continues to be one of the most anticipated events in the global cricket calendar.
- Future Ashes tours — including England’s hosting in 2027 — are already generating excitement among fans worldwide.
The Ashes winners list through 2025 reflects rivalries, swings in dominance, iconic individual performances, and unforgettable series that define cricket’s grandest tradition.
Conclusion: Why The Ashes Matters
The Ashes isn’t just a list of results or victors — it’s a living chronicle of cricketing excellence and national pride.
From the first win by England in 1882/83 to Australia’s 2025–26 series triumph, the ashes winners list charts shifting dominance, unforgettable heroes, and moments that defined eras.
As fans look forward to the next chapter — the 2027 Ashes in England — the history, passion, and legacy of this rivalry remain as compelling as ever. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or a curious newcomer, the Ashes story continues to be one of sport’s greatest rivalries.
FAQs
Who has won the most Ashes series in history?
Australia has won the most Ashes series overall. According to the complete ashes winners list, Australia holds a narrow lead over England, with more series victories across all eras from 1882 to 2025.
When did the first Ashes series take place?
The first Ashes series was played in 1882–83 after Australia defeated England at The Oval in 1882. This historic moment marked the beginning of ashes series history and the legendary England–Australia rivalry.
What happens if an Ashes series ends in a draw?
If an Ashes series ends in a draw, the team that already holds the Ashes retains the urn. This rule has applied to several famous ashes results, including the drawn series in 2019 and 2023.
How often is the Ashes series played?
The Ashes series is usually played every two to four years, alternating between England and Australia. Each tour is a major event in the cricket calendar and adds another chapter to the ashes series history.
What was the most famous Ashes series of all time?
The 1981 Ashes series, often called Botham’s Ashes, is considered one of the most famous. England made a remarkable comeback, making it one of the most memorable ashes results in cricket history.
Who won the most recent Ashes series in 2025?
Australia won the 2025–26 Ashes series, defeating England 4–1 and retaining the Ashes. This victory further strengthened Australia’s position in the overall ashes winners list.
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