On this day in 1882, a mock obituary for English cricket appeared in The Sporting Times after England were beaten by Australia at the Oval. The hosts had been set the low score of 85 to chase, but collapsed from 51 for 2 to 77 all out. It was announced that “the body” would be cremated and its “ashes” taken back to Australia. From that moment onwards the rivalry between England and Australia would become the Ashes, and the flame of the contest between the two nations continues to burn brighter perhaps than any other in the game of cricket. The next edition begins tantalisingly soon, commencing down under in December.
📅 #OnThisDay in 1882, The #Ashes were born.
Many years of unforgettable memories at Lord’s between the greatest rivalry in cricket followed…#LoveLords pic.twitter.com/8Bf4Ea8hys
— Lord’s Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) August 29, 2021
The climax of one of the most famous Test matches of all time, the one that gave birth to The Ashes was #OTD in 1882
Set only 85 to win at The Oval, 🏴 were 51-2
Then Fred Spofforth bowled 🇦🇺 to victory by 7 runs
A mock obituary of 🏴 cricket appeared in the Sporting Times ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xLgOLKHj2K
— North Stand Gang – Wankhede (@NorthStandGang) August 29, 2021
