Over the years, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ashes/?ref=hm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ashes</a> has given the world of cricket several unforgettable matches and moments. No series in the game is as old and as iconic as the Ashes. And it also won't be wrong to say that the rivalry between Australia and England is the most intense rivalry in the game.

Since the first Ashes Test, that was played way back in 1882, Australia and England have played some absolute classics on the cricket field. So far, the old foes have played a total of 356 Tests against each other. Australia clearly have the upper hand so far, having won 150 Tests while England have emerged victorious in 110 games. In terms of series wins, Australia have won 34 series while England have clinched 32.

In the 141-year-old history of the Ashes, only 6 series have ended in a draw and it shows just how competitive this rivalry is. So as England and Australia get ready for another edition of the Ashes, we take a look at 10 of the greatest Ashes Tests of all time.

10. The Oval, 1882 - The rise of the Ashes

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221262140_Ashes-1882.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Ashes 1882. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

This is the Test where it all began. While England and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-stats-mania/ind-vs-aus-wtc-2023-final-day-1-stats-review-travis-heads-first-ton-away-from-home-steven-smiths-dominance-and-other-stats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia </a>first played a Test match in 1877, it was the Test in 1882 at the Oval that triggered their age-old rivalry. England had never lost a Test on home soil and the record came to an end in a humiliating manner as Australia beat them in a low-scoring affair to register a thrilling victory.

In the first innings, Australia were bowled out for a paltry total of 63. In reply, England could not come up with a good batting display either, although they managed to take a handy 38-run lead after being bowled out for 101. And when England bowled out Australia for a modest total of 122 in the second innings, the victory looked like a mere formality for them.

England needed to score only 85 runs to win the game. However, the hosts were in for a rude shock. Australia were not ready to throw in the towel yet and came up with a brilliant bowling performance. Fast bowler Fred Spofforth starred with the ball, taking 7 wickets for just 44 runs to help Australia bowl out England for 77.

Following the humiliating defeat, the Sporting Times carried a mock obituary of English cricket, writing: "The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia". This is the point from where the Ashes took off and is still flying high.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221317856_Ashes-2013.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Ashes 2013. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Ashes Test played at the Oval in 2013 was nothing less than a rollercoaster ride. The game was looking destined to end in a dull draw following England's slow approach with the bat and the washed-out fourth day before a brave declaration from Michael Clarke changed the scenario completely on the final day.

In the first innings, Australia scored 492 runs with Shane Watson and Steven Smith scoring tons. In reply, England scored 377 with Joe Root's 68 being the best individual effort with the bat. After the end of the third day, James Faulkner could not help but take a dig at England's slow approach with the bat. And after the fourth day was washed out without a ball being bowled, a drab draw looked like a mere formality.

Clarke, however, had other ideas. The former Australia skipper bravely declared the innings 111/6, thus giving England the target of 227 runs in a maximum of 44 overs. In reply, England came out all guns blazing as they aimed for a historic 4-0 series win. Kevin Pietersen smashed England's fastest-ever Ashes fifty and scored 62 off 55 balls.

But there was one more twist left in the game. With only 21 runs needed from the last 4 overs, the umpires called off the game due to bad light. As a result, England finished on 206/5. The game is one of the most thrilling draws in the Ashes history.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221381696_Cardiff-Ashes-2009.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Cardiff Ashes 2009. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

A high-scoring game that looked likely to end in a dull draw ended in a thrilling manner in Cardiff during the 2009 Ashes series. Batting first, England scored 435 runs thanks to fifties from Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior.

In reply, captain Ricky Ponting, Simon Katich, Marcus North and Brad Haddin's centuries helped Australia declare their innings for a mammoth total of 674/6. With Australia finishing their first innings on the fourth day, a draw looked inevitable. And while the game indeed ended in a draw, the thrilling end to it made it one of the most memorable Ashes Tests.

Australia ended day four by picking two England wickets. On the final day, England made a poor start and lost three wickets inside 90 minutes as Australia reduced them to 70 for 5. A fighting fifty from Collingwood then helped England steady the ship. His effort looked more than enough to seal a draw for England.

But with just about an hour left in the game and England only six runs away from taking a lead, Peter Siddle dismissed Collingwood for 74 to leave England 9 down for 233. With James Anderson and Monty Panesar at the crease, Australia were the favourites again. However, Anderson and Panesar survived 11.3 overs to pull off a thrilling draw for their side.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221446106_The-Ashes-2005.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>The Ashes Trent bridge 2005. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Riding high on confidence after winning the second Test and drawing the third, confident England shook Australia's dominance in the fourth Test, making the team from Down Under follow-on in a Test for the first time in 17 years. Batting first, the hosts scored 477 runs thanks to a century from Andrew Flintoff and fifties from Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan and Geraint Jones.

In reply, Australia could only manage to score 218 runs. Simon Jones starred with the ball for England, picking up 5 for 44. Vaughan had no hesitation in asking Australia to follow-on and the visitors came up with a good display, scoring 387 to set England a target of 129.

Shane Warne and Brett Lee then joined hands to reduce <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/england-captains-ben-stokes-and-heather-knight-projected-onto-tower-bridge-ahead-of-ashes-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">England </a>to 57 for 4 and then 116 for 7. But with just 13 needed, Ashley Giles and Matthew Hayden batted out of their skin to register a famous win for England.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221499666_The-Oval-Ashes-2005.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>The Oval Ashes 2005. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

One of the most famous drawn Tests in the Ashes took place at The Oval in 2005. The drawn Test helped England reclaim the Ashes for the first time since 1987. It was also their first series win over Australia at home since 1981. The architect of the series-winning drawn Test was Kevin Pietersen.

Going into the fifth Test, England had a 2-1 lead in the series. A century from Andrew Strauss, and Andrew Flintoff's fifty helped the hosts score 373 runs in the first innings. In reply, Australia scored 367 runs with Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden smashing centuries. In the second innings, England were in a spot of bother after being reduced to 126 for 5 with Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath looking in good form.

However, Pietersen played one of the best knocks in the history of the Ashes, smashing 158 with the help of 15 fours and 7 sixes to power England to 335 to seal a famous draw for his side. Set a target of 342 runs, Australia could faced just four balls before bad light forced the game to end in a draw.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221574125_The-Edgebaston-1981.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>The Edgbaston 1981. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The 1981 Ashes Test at Edgbaston saw England register a miraculous win after coming from behind. Batting first, England were all out for a modest total of 189. Terry Alderman starred with the ball for Australia, taking 5 for just 42 runs.&nbsp;

In reply, Australia scored 258 runs to take a handy lead of 69 runs. For England, John Emburey picked up 4 wickets while Chris Old picked up 3 scalps. England had their back against the wall when they began their second innings. Trailing by 69 runs, the home side needed to bat out of their skin to post a big score. However, their batting failed to deliver once again and they finished on 219 runs.

Ray Bright was the pick of the bowlers for Australia in the second innings, picking up 5 wickets 68 runs. Set a target of 151 runs, Australia were the favourites to chase down the total. However, the visitors were in for a rude shock. Ian Botham, who had failed to make any impact in the game till that point, decided to turn up in style.

The legendary allrounder picked up 5 wickets for just 1 run in 28 balls to blow away Australia. The Kim Hughes-led side was no match for Botham's heroics as England bowled out Australia for 121 to register a stunning 29-run victory.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221635212_1982-83-MCG-Ashes.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>1982-83 MCG Ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The MCG Test in the 1982/83 season saw England beat Australia by just 3 runs in a thrilling Test. After a poor start with the bat, England scored 284 thanks to fifties from Chris Tavare and Allan Lamb. In reply, Australia scored 287 with Kim Hughes, David Hookes and Rod Marsh scoring fifties.

In the second innings, Graeme Fowler's 67-run knock at the top of the order laid the foundation for England's total of 294 runs. Set a target of 292 runs, Australia were reeling at 71 for 3 before Hughes and David Hookes shared 100 runs for the fourth wicket to revive their team's hopes.

However, the floodgates opened once Geoff Miller dismissed Hughes for 48. Two runs later, Hookes departed too after scoring 68. Soon Australia found themselves reeling at 218 for 9. With 74 runs still needed, England looked set to register a comfortable win only to see Allan Border and Jeff Thomson gave them a huge score. The duo added 70 runs for the final wicket and when Australia needed just 4 runs to win the game, Ian Botham dismissed Thomson.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221694148_Headingley,-2019-the-ashes.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Headingley, 2019 the ashes. (Photo Source: Cricket Australia)</figcaption>

Current England skipper Ben Stokes played one of the best Test knocks of all time in the 2019 Headingley Ashes Test to fire his team to a thrilling win. Down 1-0 in the series, England looked set to lose the third Test too before Stokes' heroics helped the hosts level the series at 1-1. Australia were all out for just 179 before bowling out England for 67.

The visitors then scored 246 in the second innings to put themselves in the driver's seat. Chasing a record 359, England were still 73 runs short when Stokes was joined by number 11 Jack Leach. Not many were expecting the home side to win the clash but Stokes had other ideas. The ace allrounder launched a stunning assault to revive England's dwindling hopes.

When England needed only 17 runs to win, he was dropped by Marcus Harris. And when they needed only 2 runs, Nathan Lyon missed an easy chance to run Leach out. On the very next delivery, Lyon trapped Stokes in front of the stumps but the umpire adjudged him not out. Replays showed that Stokes was out but Australia were out of reviews.

In the following over bowled by Pat Cummins, Leach took a single to give Stokes the strike. It was his first and only run during the partnership. Stokes then hammered a four through covers to trigger wild celebrations in the stadium.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221759224_Headingley,-1981-the-ashes.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Headingley, 1981 the ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Headingley Ashes Test of 1981 is one of the greatest Tests of all time and the man who made England win it was the legendary Ian Botham. Australia looked destined to win the game after taking a huge lead of 227 runs in the first innings. Century from John Dyson and fifties from Kim Hughes and Graham Yallop helped them score 401/9 (declared) despite Botham's six-wicket haul.

In reply, England were all out for a paltry 174 with Botham's 50 being the best effort. Australia asked England to follow-on and Botham came up with one of the finest Test knocks of all time. The former England allrounder smashed an unbeaten 149 off just 148 balls to help the hosts recover from 135 for 7 and post 356 to set Australia a target of 130 runs.

Australia were still the favourites to chase down the modest target. Australia were 56 for 1 at one stage before Bob Willis' devastating spell had them reeling at 75 for 8. The tail wagged for a while before Willis returned to pick up the last two wickets and help England bowl out the tourists for 111 to register a famous 18-run win.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221816535_Edgbaston,-2005-the-ashes.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Edgbaston, 2005 the ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Ashes Test at Edgbaston in 2005 is widely regarded as the best Ashes Test of all time. England had their back against the wall after Australia won the first Test and looked set to register another series win to continue their domination. England received a huge boost just before the game when their tormentor Glenn McGrath pulled out of the Test at the last minute.

In the first innings, England scored 407 runs before bowling out Australia for 308 to take a 99-run lead. Australia, however, clawed their way back into the game by bowling out the hosts for 182 in the second innings. Spin legend Shane Warne was the destructor-in-chief for Australia, taking 6 for 46. Australia needed to chase down 282 runs in the second innings to take a 2-0 lead.

Australia's chase, however, never really took off and their chances of chasing down the total looked all but over after they were reduced to 175 for 8. However, Australia's tailenders were not ready to give up yet and nearly pulled off a miraculous win for the team. Warne backed up his stunning bowling display with a gutsy batting effort, scoring 42 runs before departing when Australia needed 62 runs.

Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz then gave England an almighty scare by taking Australia to within three runs of one of the best comebacks in Tests. But before they could score those 3 runs, Steve Harmison's short ball was edged behind the stumps by Kasprowicz. Australia finished on 279 to lose the game by mere 2 runs.

Over the years, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ashes/?ref=hm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ashes</a> has given the world of cricket several unforgettable matches and moments. No series in the game is as old and as iconic as the Ashes. And it also won't be wrong to say that the rivalry between Australia and England is the most intense rivalry in the game.
Since the first Ashes Test, that was played way back in 1882, Australia and England have played some absolute classics on the cricket field. So far, the old foes have played a total of 356 Tests against each other. Australia clearly have the upper hand so far, having won 150 Tests while England have emerged victorious in 110 games. In terms of series wins, Australia have won 34 series while England have clinched 32.
In the 141-year-old history of the Ashes, only 6 series have ended in a draw and it shows just how competitive this rivalry is. So as England and Australia get ready for another edition of the Ashes, we take a look at 10 of the greatest Ashes Tests of all time.
<h3>Greatest Ashes Tests of all time</h3>
10. The Oval, 1882 - The rise of the Ashes
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221262140_Ashes-1882.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Ashes 1882. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
This is the Test where it all began. While England and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-stats-mania/ind-vs-aus-wtc-2023-final-day-1-stats-review-travis-heads-first-ton-away-from-home-steven-smiths-dominance-and-other-stats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia </a>first played a Test match in 1877, it was the Test in 1882 at the Oval that triggered their age-old rivalry. England had never lost a Test on home soil and the record came to an end in a humiliating manner as Australia beat them in a low-scoring affair to register a thrilling victory.
In the first innings, Australia were bowled out for a paltry total of 63. In reply, England could not come up with a good batting display either, although they managed to take a handy 38-run lead after being bowled out for 101. And when England bowled out Australia for a modest total of 122 in the second innings, the victory looked like a mere formality for them.
England needed to score only 85 runs to win the game. However, the hosts were in for a rude shock. Australia were not ready to throw in the towel yet and came up with a brilliant bowling performance. Fast bowler Fred Spofforth starred with the ball, taking 7 wickets for just 44 runs to help Australia bowl out England for 77.
Following the humiliating defeat, the Sporting Times carried a mock obituary of English cricket, writing: "The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia". This is the point from where the Ashes took off and is still flying high.
9. The Oval, 2013
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221317856_Ashes-2013.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Ashes 2013. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Ashes Test played at the Oval in 2013 was nothing less than a rollercoaster ride. The game was looking destined to end in a dull draw following England's slow approach with the bat and the washed-out fourth day before a brave declaration from Michael Clarke changed the scenario completely on the final day.
In the first innings, Australia scored 492 runs with Shane Watson and Steven Smith scoring tons. In reply, England scored 377 with Joe Root's 68 being the best individual effort with the bat. After the end of the third day, James Faulkner could not help but take a dig at England's slow approach with the bat. And after the fourth day was washed out without a ball being bowled, a drab draw looked like a mere formality.
Clarke, however, had other ideas. The former Australia skipper bravely declared the innings 111/6, thus giving England the target of 227 runs in a maximum of 44 overs. In reply, England came out all guns blazing as they aimed for a historic 4-0 series win. Kevin Pietersen smashed England's fastest-ever Ashes fifty and scored 62 off 55 balls.
But there was one more twist left in the game. With only 21 runs needed from the last 4 overs, the umpires called off the game due to bad light. As a result, England finished on 206/5. The game is one of the most thrilling draws in the Ashes history.
8. Cardiff, 2009
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221381696_Cardiff-Ashes-2009.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Cardiff Ashes 2009. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
A high-scoring game that looked likely to end in a dull draw ended in a thrilling manner in Cardiff during the 2009 Ashes series. Batting first, England scored 435 runs thanks to fifties from Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior.
In reply, captain Ricky Ponting, Simon Katich, Marcus North and Brad Haddin's centuries helped Australia declare their innings for a mammoth total of 674/6. With Australia finishing their first innings on the fourth day, a draw looked inevitable. And while the game indeed ended in a draw, the thrilling end to it made it one of the most memorable Ashes Tests.
Australia ended day four by picking two England wickets. On the final day, England made a poor start and lost three wickets inside 90 minutes as Australia reduced them to 70 for 5. A fighting fifty from Collingwood then helped England steady the ship. His effort looked more than enough to seal a draw for England.
But with just about an hour left in the game and England only six runs away from taking a lead, Peter Siddle dismissed Collingwood for 74 to leave England 9 down for 233. With James Anderson and Monty Panesar at the crease, Australia were the favourites again. However, Anderson and Panesar survived 11.3 overs to pull off a thrilling draw for their side.
7. Trent Bridge, 2005
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221446106_The-Ashes-2005.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>The Ashes Trent bridge 2005. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Riding high on confidence after winning the second Test and drawing the third, confident England shook Australia's dominance in the fourth Test, making the team from Down Under follow-on in a Test for the first time in 17 years. Batting first, the hosts scored 477 runs thanks to a century from Andrew Flintoff and fifties from Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan and Geraint Jones.
In reply, Australia could only manage to score 218 runs. Simon Jones starred with the ball for England, picking up 5 for 44. Vaughan had no hesitation in asking Australia to follow-on and the visitors came up with a good display, scoring 387 to set England a target of 129.
Shane Warne and Brett Lee then joined hands to reduce <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/england-captains-ben-stokes-and-heather-knight-projected-onto-tower-bridge-ahead-of-ashes-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">England </a>to 57 for 4 and then 116 for 7. But with just 13 needed, Ashley Giles and Matthew Hayden batted out of their skin to register a famous win for England.
6. The Oval, 2005
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221499666_The-Oval-Ashes-2005.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>The Oval Ashes 2005. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
One of the most famous drawn Tests in the Ashes took place at The Oval in 2005. The drawn Test helped England reclaim the Ashes for the first time since 1987. It was also their first series win over Australia at home since 1981. The architect of the series-winning drawn Test was Kevin Pietersen.
Going into the fifth Test, England had a 2-1 lead in the series. A century from Andrew Strauss, and Andrew Flintoff's fifty helped the hosts score 373 runs in the first innings. In reply, Australia scored 367 runs with Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden smashing centuries. In the second innings, England were in a spot of bother after being reduced to 126 for 5 with Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath looking in good form.
However, Pietersen played one of the best knocks in the history of the Ashes, smashing 158 with the help of 15 fours and 7 sixes to power England to 335 to seal a famous draw for his side. Set a target of 342 runs, Australia could faced just four balls before bad light forced the game to end in a draw.
5. Edgbaston, 1981
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221574125_The-Edgebaston-1981.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>The Edgbaston 1981. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The 1981 Ashes Test at Edgbaston saw England register a miraculous win after coming from behind. Batting first, England were all out for a modest total of 189. Terry Alderman starred with the ball for Australia, taking 5 for just 42 runs.&nbsp;
In reply, Australia scored 258 runs to take a handy lead of 69 runs. For England, John Emburey picked up 4 wickets while Chris Old picked up 3 scalps. England had their back against the wall when they began their second innings. Trailing by 69 runs, the home side needed to bat out of their skin to post a big score. However, their batting failed to deliver once again and they finished on 219 runs.
Ray Bright was the pick of the bowlers for Australia in the second innings, picking up 5 wickets 68 runs. Set a target of 151 runs, Australia were the favourites to chase down the total. However, the visitors were in for a rude shock. Ian Botham, who had failed to make any impact in the game till that point, decided to turn up in style.
The legendary allrounder picked up 5 wickets for just 1 run in 28 balls to blow away Australia. The Kim Hughes-led side was no match for Botham's heroics as England bowled out Australia for 121 to register a stunning 29-run victory.
4. MCG, 1982/83
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221635212_1982-83-MCG-Ashes.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>1982-83 MCG Ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The MCG Test in the 1982/83 season saw England beat Australia by just 3 runs in a thrilling Test. After a poor start with the bat, England scored 284 thanks to fifties from Chris Tavare and Allan Lamb. In reply, Australia scored 287 with Kim Hughes, David Hookes and Rod Marsh scoring fifties.
In the second innings, Graeme Fowler's 67-run knock at the top of the order laid the foundation for England's total of 294 runs. Set a target of 292 runs, Australia were reeling at 71 for 3 before Hughes and David Hookes shared 100 runs for the fourth wicket to revive their team's hopes.
However, the floodgates opened once Geoff Miller dismissed Hughes for 48. Two runs later, Hookes departed too after scoring 68. Soon Australia found themselves reeling at 218 for 9. With 74 runs still needed, England looked set to register a comfortable win only to see Allan Border and Jeff Thomson gave them a huge score. The duo added 70 runs for the final wicket and when Australia needed just 4 runs to win the game, Ian Botham dismissed Thomson.
3. Headingley, 2019
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221694148_Headingley,-2019-the-ashes.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Headingley, 2019 the ashes. (Photo Source: Cricket Australia)</figcaption>
</figure>
Current England skipper Ben Stokes played one of the best Test knocks of all time in the 2019 Headingley Ashes Test to fire his team to a thrilling win. Down 1-0 in the series, England looked set to lose the third Test too before Stokes' heroics helped the hosts level the series at 1-1. Australia were all out for just 179 before bowling out England for 67.
The visitors then scored 246 in the second innings to put themselves in the driver's seat. Chasing a record 359, England were still 73 runs short when Stokes was joined by number 11 Jack Leach. Not many were expecting the home side to win the clash but Stokes had other ideas. The ace allrounder launched a stunning assault to revive England's dwindling hopes.
When England needed only 17 runs to win, he was dropped by Marcus Harris. And when they needed only 2 runs, Nathan Lyon missed an easy chance to run Leach out. On the very next delivery, Lyon trapped Stokes in front of the stumps but the umpire adjudged him not out. Replays showed that Stokes was out but Australia were out of reviews.
In the following over bowled by Pat Cummins, Leach took a single to give Stokes the strike. It was his first and only run during the partnership. Stokes then hammered a four through covers to trigger wild celebrations in the stadium.
2. Headingley, 1981
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221759224_Headingley,-1981-the-ashes.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Headingley, 1981 the ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Headingley Ashes Test of 1981 is one of the greatest Tests of all time and the man who made England win it was the legendary Ian Botham. Australia looked destined to win the game after taking a huge lead of 227 runs in the first innings. Century from John Dyson and fifties from Kim Hughes and Graham Yallop helped them score 401/9 (declared) despite Botham's six-wicket haul.
In reply, England were all out for a paltry 174 with Botham's 50 being the best effort. Australia asked England to follow-on and Botham came up with one of the finest Test knocks of all time. The former England allrounder smashed an unbeaten 149 off just 148 balls to help the hosts recover from 135 for 7 and post 356 to set Australia a target of 130 runs.
Australia were still the favourites to chase down the modest target. Australia were 56 for 1 at one stage before Bob Willis' devastating spell had them reeling at 75 for 8. The tail wagged for a while before Willis returned to pick up the last two wickets and help England bowl out the tourists for 111 to register a famous 18-run win.
1. Edgbaston, 2005
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221816535_Edgbaston,-2005-the-ashes.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Edgbaston, 2005 the ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Ashes Test at Edgbaston in 2005 is widely regarded as the best Ashes Test of all time. England had their back against the wall after Australia won the first Test and looked set to register another series win to continue their domination. England received a huge boost just before the game when their tormentor Glenn McGrath pulled out of the Test at the last minute.
In the first innings, England scored 407 runs before bowling out Australia for 308 to take a 99-run lead. Australia, however, clawed their way back into the game by bowling out the hosts for 182 in the second innings. Spin legend Shane Warne was the destructor-in-chief for Australia, taking 6 for 46. Australia needed to chase down 282 runs in the second innings to take a 2-0 lead.
Australia's chase, however, never really took off and their chances of chasing down the total looked all but over after they were reduced to 175 for 8. However, Australia's tailenders were not ready to give up yet and nearly pulled off a miraculous win for the team. Warne backed up his stunning bowling display with a gutsy batting effort, scoring 42 runs before departing when Australia needed 62 runs.
Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz then gave England an almighty scare by taking Australia to within three runs of one of the best comebacks in Tests. But before they could score those 3 runs, Steve Harmison's short ball was edged behind the stumps by Kasprowicz. Australia finished on 279 to lose the game by mere 2 runs.

Over the years, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ashes/?ref=hm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ashes</a> has given the world of cricket several unforgettable matches and moments. No series in the game is as old and as iconic as the Ashes. And it also won't be wrong to say that the rivalry between Australia and England is the most intense rivalry in the game.
Since the first Ashes Test, that was played way back in 1882, Australia and England have played some absolute classics on the cricket field. So far, the old foes have played a total of 356 Tests against each other. Australia clearly have the upper hand so far, having won 150 Tests while England have emerged victorious in 110 games. In terms of series wins, Australia have won 34 series while England have clinched 32.
In the 141-year-old history of the Ashes, only 6 series have ended in a draw and it shows just how competitive this rivalry is. So as England and Australia get ready for another edition of the Ashes, we take a look at 10 of the greatest Ashes Tests of all time.
<h3>Greatest Ashes Tests of all time</h3>
10. The Oval, 1882 - The rise of the Ashes
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221262140_Ashes-1882.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Ashes 1882. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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This is the Test where it all began. While England and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-stats-mania/ind-vs-aus-wtc-2023-final-day-1-stats-review-travis-heads-first-ton-away-from-home-steven-smiths-dominance-and-other-stats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia </a>first played a Test match in 1877, it was the Test in 1882 at the Oval that triggered their age-old rivalry. England had never lost a Test on home soil and the record came to an end in a humiliating manner as Australia beat them in a low-scoring affair to register a thrilling victory.
In the first innings, Australia were bowled out for a paltry total of 63. In reply, England could not come up with a good batting display either, although they managed to take a handy 38-run lead after being bowled out for 101. And when England bowled out Australia for a modest total of 122 in the second innings, the victory looked like a mere formality for them.
England needed to score only 85 runs to win the game. However, the hosts were in for a rude shock. Australia were not ready to throw in the towel yet and came up with a brilliant bowling performance. Fast bowler Fred Spofforth starred with the ball, taking 7 wickets for just 44 runs to help Australia bowl out England for 77.
Following the humiliating defeat, the Sporting Times carried a mock obituary of English cricket, writing: "The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia". This is the point from where the Ashes took off and is still flying high.
9. The Oval, 2013
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<figcaption>Ashes 2013. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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The Ashes Test played at the Oval in 2013 was nothing less than a rollercoaster ride. The game was looking destined to end in a dull draw following England's slow approach with the bat and the washed-out fourth day before a brave declaration from Michael Clarke changed the scenario completely on the final day.
In the first innings, Australia scored 492 runs with Shane Watson and Steven Smith scoring tons. In reply, England scored 377 with Joe Root's 68 being the best individual effort with the bat. After the end of the third day, James Faulkner could not help but take a dig at England's slow approach with the bat. And after the fourth day was washed out without a ball being bowled, a drab draw looked like a mere formality.
Clarke, however, had other ideas. The former Australia skipper bravely declared the innings 111/6, thus giving England the target of 227 runs in a maximum of 44 overs. In reply, England came out all guns blazing as they aimed for a historic 4-0 series win. Kevin Pietersen smashed England's fastest-ever Ashes fifty and scored 62 off 55 balls.
But there was one more twist left in the game. With only 21 runs needed from the last 4 overs, the umpires called off the game due to bad light. As a result, England finished on 206/5. The game is one of the most thrilling draws in the Ashes history.
8. Cardiff, 2009
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<figcaption>Cardiff Ashes 2009. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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A high-scoring game that looked likely to end in a dull draw ended in a thrilling manner in Cardiff during the 2009 Ashes series. Batting first, England scored 435 runs thanks to fifties from Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior.
In reply, captain Ricky Ponting, Simon Katich, Marcus North and Brad Haddin's centuries helped Australia declare their innings for a mammoth total of 674/6. With Australia finishing their first innings on the fourth day, a draw looked inevitable. And while the game indeed ended in a draw, the thrilling end to it made it one of the most memorable Ashes Tests.
Australia ended day four by picking two England wickets. On the final day, England made a poor start and lost three wickets inside 90 minutes as Australia reduced them to 70 for 5. A fighting fifty from Collingwood then helped England steady the ship. His effort looked more than enough to seal a draw for England.
But with just about an hour left in the game and England only six runs away from taking a lead, Peter Siddle dismissed Collingwood for 74 to leave England 9 down for 233. With James Anderson and Monty Panesar at the crease, Australia were the favourites again. However, Anderson and Panesar survived 11.3 overs to pull off a thrilling draw for their side.
7. Trent Bridge, 2005
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<figcaption>The Ashes Trent bridge 2005. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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Riding high on confidence after winning the second Test and drawing the third, confident England shook Australia's dominance in the fourth Test, making the team from Down Under follow-on in a Test for the first time in 17 years. Batting first, the hosts scored 477 runs thanks to a century from Andrew Flintoff and fifties from Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan and Geraint Jones.
In reply, Australia could only manage to score 218 runs. Simon Jones starred with the ball for England, picking up 5 for 44. Vaughan had no hesitation in asking Australia to follow-on and the visitors came up with a good display, scoring 387 to set England a target of 129.
Shane Warne and Brett Lee then joined hands to reduce <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/england-captains-ben-stokes-and-heather-knight-projected-onto-tower-bridge-ahead-of-ashes-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">England </a>to 57 for 4 and then 116 for 7. But with just 13 needed, Ashley Giles and Matthew Hayden batted out of their skin to register a famous win for England.
6. The Oval, 2005
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<figcaption>The Oval Ashes 2005. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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One of the most famous drawn Tests in the Ashes took place at The Oval in 2005. The drawn Test helped England reclaim the Ashes for the first time since 1987. It was also their first series win over Australia at home since 1981. The architect of the series-winning drawn Test was Kevin Pietersen.
Going into the fifth Test, England had a 2-1 lead in the series. A century from Andrew Strauss, and Andrew Flintoff's fifty helped the hosts score 373 runs in the first innings. In reply, Australia scored 367 runs with Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden smashing centuries. In the second innings, England were in a spot of bother after being reduced to 126 for 5 with Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath looking in good form.
However, Pietersen played one of the best knocks in the history of the Ashes, smashing 158 with the help of 15 fours and 7 sixes to power England to 335 to seal a famous draw for his side. Set a target of 342 runs, Australia could faced just four balls before bad light forced the game to end in a draw.
5. Edgbaston, 1981
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<figcaption>The Edgbaston 1981. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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The 1981 Ashes Test at Edgbaston saw England register a miraculous win after coming from behind. Batting first, England were all out for a modest total of 189. Terry Alderman starred with the ball for Australia, taking 5 for just 42 runs.&nbsp;
In reply, Australia scored 258 runs to take a handy lead of 69 runs. For England, John Emburey picked up 4 wickets while Chris Old picked up 3 scalps. England had their back against the wall when they began their second innings. Trailing by 69 runs, the home side needed to bat out of their skin to post a big score. However, their batting failed to deliver once again and they finished on 219 runs.
Ray Bright was the pick of the bowlers for Australia in the second innings, picking up 5 wickets 68 runs. Set a target of 151 runs, Australia were the favourites to chase down the total. However, the visitors were in for a rude shock. Ian Botham, who had failed to make any impact in the game till that point, decided to turn up in style.
The legendary allrounder picked up 5 wickets for just 1 run in 28 balls to blow away Australia. The Kim Hughes-led side was no match for Botham's heroics as England bowled out Australia for 121 to register a stunning 29-run victory.
4. MCG, 1982/83
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<figcaption>1982-83 MCG Ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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The MCG Test in the 1982/83 season saw England beat Australia by just 3 runs in a thrilling Test. After a poor start with the bat, England scored 284 thanks to fifties from Chris Tavare and Allan Lamb. In reply, Australia scored 287 with Kim Hughes, David Hookes and Rod Marsh scoring fifties.
In the second innings, Graeme Fowler's 67-run knock at the top of the order laid the foundation for England's total of 294 runs. Set a target of 292 runs, Australia were reeling at 71 for 3 before Hughes and David Hookes shared 100 runs for the fourth wicket to revive their team's hopes.
However, the floodgates opened once Geoff Miller dismissed Hughes for 48. Two runs later, Hookes departed too after scoring 68. Soon Australia found themselves reeling at 218 for 9. With 74 runs still needed, England looked set to register a comfortable win only to see Allan Border and Jeff Thomson gave them a huge score. The duo added 70 runs for the final wicket and when Australia needed just 4 runs to win the game, Ian Botham dismissed Thomson.
3. Headingley, 2019
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<figcaption>Headingley, 2019 the ashes. (Photo Source: Cricket Australia)</figcaption>
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Current England skipper Ben Stokes played one of the best Test knocks of all time in the 2019 Headingley Ashes Test to fire his team to a thrilling win. Down 1-0 in the series, England looked set to lose the third Test too before Stokes' heroics helped the hosts level the series at 1-1. Australia were all out for just 179 before bowling out England for 67.
The visitors then scored 246 in the second innings to put themselves in the driver's seat. Chasing a record 359, England were still 73 runs short when Stokes was joined by number 11 Jack Leach. Not many were expecting the home side to win the clash but Stokes had other ideas. The ace allrounder launched a stunning assault to revive England's dwindling hopes.
When England needed only 17 runs to win, he was dropped by Marcus Harris. And when they needed only 2 runs, Nathan Lyon missed an easy chance to run Leach out. On the very next delivery, Lyon trapped Stokes in front of the stumps but the umpire adjudged him not out. Replays showed that Stokes was out but Australia were out of reviews.
In the following over bowled by Pat Cummins, Leach took a single to give Stokes the strike. It was his first and only run during the partnership. Stokes then hammered a four through covers to trigger wild celebrations in the stadium.
2. Headingley, 1981
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<figcaption>Headingley, 1981 the ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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The Headingley Ashes Test of 1981 is one of the greatest Tests of all time and the man who made England win it was the legendary Ian Botham. Australia looked destined to win the game after taking a huge lead of 227 runs in the first innings. Century from John Dyson and fifties from Kim Hughes and Graham Yallop helped them score 401/9 (declared) despite Botham's six-wicket haul.
In reply, England were all out for a paltry 174 with Botham's 50 being the best effort. Australia asked England to follow-on and Botham came up with one of the finest Test knocks of all time. The former England allrounder smashed an unbeaten 149 off just 148 balls to help the hosts recover from 135 for 7 and post 356 to set Australia a target of 130 runs.
Australia were still the favourites to chase down the modest target. Australia were 56 for 1 at one stage before Bob Willis' devastating spell had them reeling at 75 for 8. The tail wagged for a while before Willis returned to pick up the last two wickets and help England bowl out the tourists for 111 to register a famous 18-run win.
1. Edgbaston, 2005
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1686221816535_Edgbaston,-2005-the-ashes.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Edgbaston, 2005 the ashes. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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The Ashes Test at Edgbaston in 2005 is widely regarded as the best Ashes Test of all time. England had their back against the wall after Australia won the first Test and looked set to register another series win to continue their domination. England received a huge boost just before the game when their tormentor Glenn McGrath pulled out of the Test at the last minute.
In the first innings, England scored 407 runs before bowling out Australia for 308 to take a 99-run lead. Australia, however, clawed their way back into the game by bowling out the hosts for 182 in the second innings. Spin legend Shane Warne was the destructor-in-chief for Australia, taking 6 for 46. Australia needed to chase down 282 runs in the second innings to take a 2-0 lead.
Australia's chase, however, never really took off and their chances of chasing down the total looked all but over after they were reduced to 175 for 8. However, Australia's tailenders were not ready to give up yet and nearly pulled off a miraculous win for the team. Warne backed up his stunning bowling display with a gutsy batting effort, scoring 42 runs before departing when Australia needed 62 runs.
Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz then gave England an almighty scare by taking Australia to within three runs of one of the best comebacks in Tests. But before they could score those 3 runs, Steve Harmison's short ball was edged behind the stumps by Kasprowicz. Australia finished on 279 to lose the game by mere 2 runs.

Over the years, The Ashes has given the world of cricket several unforgettable matches and moments. No series in the game is as old and as iconic as the Ashes. And it also won't be wrong to say that t

The Ashes: 10 greatest Tests of all time

The Ashes series has been going on for years now, but there are some games that have been close to fans' hearts.

Since the first Ashes Test, that was played way back in 1882, Australia and England have played some absolute classics on the cricket field. Tap here to read about the 10 greatest Ashes Tests of all time