The Ashes are a
Test cricket series played between
England and
Australia. It is international cricket's most celebrated
rivalry and dates back to 1882. It is currently played biennially, alternately in the United Kingdom and Australia. Cricket being a summer sport, and the venues being in opposite
hemispheres, the break between series alternates between 18 and 30 months. A series of "The Ashes" comprises five Test matches, two innings per match, under the regular rules for
Test match cricket. If a series is drawn then the country already holding the Ashes retains them.