Boasting one of the oldest sporting traditions globally, the Ashes are one of the sport's most significant battles.
The birth of the Ashes has been passed down through families for generations, and it all started in 1882 when Australia defeated a full-strength England XI for the first time on English soil. As is a common trend in the 21st century, the English media condemned their chargers for such a catastrophic failure, publishing a satirical obituary in the Sporting Times.
'In affectionate remembrance of English cricket which died at The Oval, 29 August 1882'.
-N.B. The body will be cremated, and the Ashes taken to Australia'.
With the sudden death of English Cricket, one man was hell-bent on reclaiming the urn, and his name was The Hon. Ivo Bligh. Akin to King Arthur searching for the Holy Grail, Bligh embarked on the noblest sporting quest and captained England to the 1882/83 Ashes victory on down under.
As the story goes, Bligh was celebrating Christmas at the Rupertswood Manor, the elaborate home of Sir William Clarke, when he was presented the burnt bails of the Third Test in a tiny terracotta urn by his future wife, Florence Morphy.
Australian sports journalist Clarence Murphy revived the concept of 'The Ashes' in the 1890s. It became an integral part of the Australian/England rivalry when English captain Pelham Warner published a novel after his resounding 1903-04 Tour win titled 'How We Recovered the Ashes.'
Specific Tests have been played that will go down in the annals of the long history. Some have shocked us, some have enthralled us, some have devastated us. Let's look into the Top 10 Greatest Ashes Tests in History and dive into the players who created their own history.
6. 1928-29
Fourth Test, Adelaide, 1-8 February (England won by 12 runs)
England 334 (183.1) 383 (200.4) & Australia 369 (160) 336 (151.5)
The 1928-29 Ashes Series lasted five months. Known historically as the War of Attrition, the English brought over their finest ensemble of batters with one target in mind. Batting the Australian bowlers into oblivion.
Three of the five Tests feature in the top five for most deliveries bowled in a test. The Adelaide Test was no exception, with 4174 deliveries bowled. Left-arm off-spinner Jack White bowled 749 of those deliveries. In the first innings, England made 334 from 183.1 overs, and Australia responded with 369 from 160 overs, White claiming figures of 5/130 off 60 overs. England then batted another 200 overs setting Australia a target of 348 for victory. This target was definitely achievable for the Australians as these Tests were timeless. The Australian's finished day six with 6/260 on the board and only 88 runs off a memorable victory. Bowling in scorching heat, White toiled through 64.5 overs, claiming 8/126, dismissing number 11 46-year-old Don Blackie for a duck with 12 runs still required.
