This children’s article, What is the Ashes? A kids’ guide to cricket’s greatest rivalry, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about the history and excitement of The Ashes, and understand why this cricket series is so special. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
The story of the Ashes
The Ashes is one of the oldest and most famous cricket competitions. It began back in 1882, after Australia beat England for the first time on English soil. English newspapers jokingly published a story declaring the death of English cricket, saying “the body will be cremated, and the ashes taken to Australia.”
Since then, the two teams have played a series of Test matches every couple of years, and the winner is said to “hold the Ashes.”
Over the years, The Ashes have become a symbol of fierce rivalry, not just between the players, but also because cricket fans in Australia and England care deeply about it. Winning the Ashes is not just about cricket; it’s about national pride, history, and tradition.
Why the Ashes matter
The Ashes series is usually made up of five Test matches. To win The Ashes, one team must win more of those Test matches than the other. If the series ends in a draw, the team that currently holds The Ashes keeps them, which makes every match extra important.
Historically, Australia has won the Ashes 34 times, while England has won them 32 times. That means it’s been a very even contest over more than a century.
The rivalry has produced some of cricket’s most legendary moments, and many of cricket’s greatest players, like Australia’s Don Bradman and England’s Ian Botham, have made their mark here.
How to win
Like with all cricket Test matches, in an Ashes series, each Test match can last up to five days. The captains, bowlers, and batters all use strategy over those days, trying to out-think and out-play each other to win matches and therefore the series.
The “urn” of the Ashes is a small trophy, and at the end of each series, the team that wins the most matches takes the urn.
The 2025/26 Ashes series
The next Ashes series starts on 21 November 2025 in Perth, and it’s extra special because it’s the first time a match in Perth will be held at the brand-new Optus Stadium.
The series will include five Tests in different Australian cities: Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and then Sydney.
The Ashes is not just about cricket; it’s about history, competition, and a rivalry that has lasted for more than 140 years.
Picture credit – danielgreef/Dan, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Article vocabulary list
- Test match – A long-form cricket game that can last up to five days.
- Rivalry – A competition between two teams or people who strongly want to beat each other.
- Series – A set of matches played between the same two teams.
- Draw – When a match ends without a winner.
- Urn – A trophy that looks like a special pot, used as a prize for the Ashes.
- Tactic – A plan used to achieve a goal during a game.
- Legendary – Very famous or well-known, especially in stories.
- Pride – A feeling of belonging or happiness about something.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What two countries compete in The Ashes?
A) Australia and India
B) England and Australia
C) England and South Africa
Answer: B) England and Australia
2. Why is the competition called “The Ashes”?
A) Because the players wear grey uniforms
B) Because they burn wooden bats after the series
C) Because an English newspaper joked that England’s cricket had died
Answer: C) Because an English newspaper joked that England’s cricket had died
3. How many Test matches are usually played in an Ashes series?
A) Three
B) Five
C) Seven
Answer: B) Five
4. When does the 2025/26 Ashes series begin?
A) 21 November 2025
B) 1 January 2026
C) 4 December 2025
Answer: A) 21 November 2025
5. Why is the opening Test in Perth special in 2025?
A) It’s the first day-night match ever in Australia
B) It’s the first time Ashes will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth
C) It’s the first Ashes Match ever played
Answer: B) It’s the first time Ashes will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
