Cricket fans around the world have reason to rejoice as the much-anticipated Ashes 2024 schedule has finally been announced. The historic cricket rivalry between Australia and England will resume, with the first Test match taking place in Perth from November 21 to 25. Cricket Australia recently confirmed the dates, marking the beginning of another chapter in the 142-year-old Ashes series.
England to Tour Australia for Ashes 2024
This year, the England team will travel to Australia for the series. Last season’s Ashes, held in England, ended in a 2-2 draw. This time, Australia will have home advantage, as they look to reclaim the series on their own soil.
The Ashes series is the oldest and most prestigious rivalry in cricket, dating back to 1882 when the series was first named. However, the Test cricket rivalry between these two cricketing giants began earlier, in 1877, when they played the world’s first-ever Test match at Melbourne. The term ‘Ashes’ was coined after Australia’s victory over England in 1882, and it has remained a symbol of intense competition ever since.
Australia’s Dominance in Ashes History
Australia holds the upper hand in Ashes history, having won 34 of the 73 series played so far. England, on the other hand, has won 32 Ashes series. The remaining seven series have ended in draws. With Australia hosting the 2024 series, they will be looking to extend their lead and claim another Ashes title.
Ashes Records: Batting and Bowling Legends
When it comes to individual records, Australia’s cricketing legend Sir Don Bradman remains the top scorer in Ashes history. Bradman scored a staggering 5,048 runs in 37 matches between 1928 and 1948. England’s Jack Hobbs follows him as England’s top run-getter with 3,636 runs in 41 matches, scored between 1908 and 1930.
Among current players, Australia’s Steve Smith leads the way with 3,417 runs in 37 Ashes matches, while England’s Joe Root has accumulated 2,428 runs in 34 matches.
On the bowling side, Australia’s Shane Warne continues to hold the record for the most wickets in Ashes history, having taken 195 wickets in 36 matches from 1993 to 2007. England’s Stuart Broad follows as the top wicket-taker for England, with 153 wickets in 40 matches between 2009 and 2023.
Among the active players, Australia’s Nathan Lyon leads with 110 wickets in 30 matches, while England’s Chris Woakes tops the list for his side with 46 wickets in 15 matches.
A Glimpse at the History of the ‘Ashes’ Name
The term ‘Ashes’ comes from a famous incident in 1882. After Australia defeated England in a match at The Oval, a London newspaper, The Sporting Times, published a humorous obituary for English cricket. It declared that English cricket had died and that its “ashes” had been taken to Australia. Before the England team’s tour to Australia later that year, their captain Ivo Bligh vowed to “regain those ashes.” Since then, every Test series between these two nations has been referred to as ‘The Ashes.’
Excitement Builds for the 2024 Ashes
As anticipation builds for this year’s series, both teams will be preparing intensively. Australia will be keen to capitalize on their home-ground advantage, while England will look to repeat their past success down under. The 2024 series will also feature a day-night Test, adding to the excitement for fans across the globe.
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are already counting down the days as they await another thrilling edition of the Ashes, a series known for producing some of the most iconic moments in cricket history. Whether you are rooting for Australia or England, the 2024 Ashes promises to deliver plenty of drama and excitement.
