Australia have retained The Ashes, with the tourists reclaiming the famous urn after a truly memorable 2023 series.
They may have lost the final Test against England at The Oval, but they still managed to keep hold of the trophy.
After getting over the line in dramatic fashion at Edgbaston and Lord's, a disappointing loss at Headingley cast some doubt over Australia's chance, but a rain-affected clash at Old Trafford ended in a draw, and that was enough to hold a 2-1 series lead ahead of the final Test at The Oval.
The finale in the Fifth Test was pulsating nevertheless, as Stuart Broad inspired England to victory by 49 runs in his final appearance in cricket.
Australia have now been in possession of the Ashes trophy since 2017, coming away with two series wins and two drawn series during that time period.
Pat Cummins and his side will remain the holders of the urn until the 2024/25 Australian summer, with England scheduled to travel Down Under for another five-match series.
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What is The Ashes urn? Australia vs England trophy explained
The history of The Ashes urn dates back to August 1882, when the Aussies defeated England for the first time in a Test match at Kensington Oval in London.
Following the defeat, the English press and public were left disappointed by the result and branded it 'the death of cricket' in the country it was first created.
In a mock obituary notice in the Sporting Times, the term 'Ashes' was mentioned for the first time, beginning the history of the long-standing rivalry.
In Affectionate Remembrance of English Cricket which died at the Oval on 29th August, 1882, Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances. R.I.P. N.B.—The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.
The urn would first be made when England toured Australia later that year for a Test series and it has remained the official trophy for The Ashes ever since.
Made from red terracotta and standing at approximately 10.5cm high, the long-standing belief is that the de-facto cricket trophy contains the ashes of a burnt cricket bail.
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Who has won the most Ashes series?
Of the 73 series played to date, Australia have won 34 and England have won 32, with seven drawn series, including the 2023 one.
The past 11 series between the two sides has been rather even, with England winning five and Australia winning four, along with two draw series.
There has now been two drawn series in the past 50 years, with the 2019 edition in England finishing with two wins apiece and allowing the Aussies to retain the urn.
That score was repeated in the 2023 showpiece, as Broad's heroics in the final Test at The Oval saw England battle back for 2-2.
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When is the next Ashes series?
England will tour Australia in 2025/26, aiming to win an away Ashes series for the first time since their historic 2010/11 triumph under Andrew Strauss.
An itinerary for the series is yet to be confirmed but Ashes series in Australia are generally staged between November and January, with Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney hosting a match apiece.
The MCG in Melbourne will host its traditional Boxing Day Test, with Sydney’s SCG the customary venue for the New Year Test that will conclude the series as the fifth and final game.
