In 1892 England lost to Australia in England for the first time, prompting the Sporting Times to print a mock obituary for English cricket. The media then dubbed the next tour to Australia as the quest to bring back the Ashes. Giving birth to an iconic sporting rivalry.

The biannual series has provided some of cricket's greatest moments, the 'Bodyline' series of 1932/33, Ian Botham's heroics in the 1981 series and the 2005 Edgbaston test, considered the most exciting test match ever. Australia's 5-0 series whitewash of England in the 2006/7 series will only add fuel to the rivalry.