Ashes 2023

The Ashes is widely considered the series with the most prominence in cricket, especially for English and Australian fans. The two nations have been battling it out for the past 140 years to win the most famous trophy in the sport. 

England first faced Australia in Melbourne in 1877, however it wasn’t until 1882 that the legend of the Ashes trophy began. Australia first won in England with a low score of just 185 runs across both innings. England only needed 85 to win from their second innings but missed out by 7 runs as the Australian fast bowler - Fred Spofforth, took England’s last 4 wickets for just 2 runs. It was from this defeat that the Ashes were born. Four days later a mock obituary was published in The Sporting Times recording the home sides loss. It read:

“In Affectionate Remembrance of English cricket, which died at The Oval on 29 August 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances. RIP.

NB – the body will be cremated, and the ashes taken to Australia”

A few weeks later England travelled to Australia for the return series and captain Ivo Bligh (later known as Lord Darnley), promised to “regain those ashes”. During the tour a group of ladies, including Blight’s future wife Florence Morphy, presented him with a terracotta urn believed to contain the ashes of a burned bail.

The original urn is now in the MCC Museum at Lord’s cricket ground. It has only been taken to Australia twice in its time, once as part of the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988 and once during the 2006/7 Ashes series.

Results:

In the last 140 years since the Ashes began, there have been 340 tests and 72 series. Of those Australia are leading, having won 140 tests and 34 series to England’s 108 tests and 32 series. Despite having played for 140 years there are still only two series difference between the two nations, proving just how balanced the two team have been throughout the history of the Ashes.  

There have been 36 Series played in each nation, both sides have won abroad 14 times, but Australia have had two more home wins on 20 over England’s 18. Australia last won back the Ashes in the 2017/18, beating England 4 tests to 1. 

England have been unsuccessful in regaining the trophy since then, drawing the 2019 ashes and loosing 4 – 1 again in the 2021/22 series in Australia. Hopefully the 73^rd series proves to be the year we regain the Ashes and stop Australia’s winning streak. 

Looking ahead to 2023

The Ashes 2023 will be played in England across five iconic venues: Edgbaston, Lord’s, Hedgingly, Old Trafford and The Kia Oval. 

The series will kick off with the opening test being played at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. Edgbaston is the home of Birmingham Phoenix for The Hundred and The Birmingham Bears in the T20 Vitality Blast. 

Edgbaston is a cauldron of noise, the perfect atmosphere for such an important first test. The first test of the Ashes is always a vital one, it sets the tone for the series and is the first chance we get to view the sides clash. The teams have been building up to this moment since the last ball of the previous series in Australia. All is to play for at the beginning making the first test all the more exciting. 

The last of the five tests will take place at The Kia Oval, an inspirational stadium in the heart of London. With a rich history and views across the city skyline, The Kia Oval is one of the UK’s finest and most prestigious cricket grounds, making it a must visit for any and all cricket fans. 

With a range of hospitality experiences on offer for the 2023 Ashes, we have an experience to suit every need, want and budget. And, with the Ashes only coming to the UK on average every 4 years, why not make the most of it and enjoy the cricket at its best with hospitality. 

Whether it’s a gift for friends, clients, employees or just for yourself, hospitality is the best way to enjoy the cricket without any distractions or worries. Our all-inclusive packages mean that once you are there you can focus solely on the cricketing action, and for an event as important as the Ashes, you don’t want to miss a single ball.

Find out more about our superb cricketing experiences below: