The ASHES is a cricket trophy that is contested between England and Australia. It is one of the oldest and most famous rivalries in international sport, with the first match taking place in 1882. The trophy is a small urn containing the ASHES of a burnt cricket bail, which is said to have been presented to the English team after their victory in the 1882 series. The trophy is held by the team that wins the most matches in a five-test series.