The Ashes of Cricket

I was not quite right when I told my friend Helena last night that the Ashes Urn contained the ashes of a dead cricket guy (Erika told me that one to begin with so NOT my fault).

The Ashes has done a funny thing to people in England this year as England as it looks like England has a chance of winning, the first chance in many years. A lot of people who don't give a something about cricket are suddenly excited about the remaining test matches, rekindling the true spirit dating back to the origins of the Ashes. After 3 tests the score is 1-1 with 2 matches to go. Even women are interested even though there are no finger sandwiches in sight!

Historically, England underestimated the skill of the savage Australians and were defeated in a few humiliating tests in Australia and back at the Oval, causing a mock obituary to be written for English cricket. Upon returning to Australia the English team were determined to win back the "ashes" and the English captain was presented with a terracotta urn containing a burnt bail (the little stick that lies on top of the 3 stumps that all form a wicket)It all resulted in the tournament being called the Ashes.

I seriously preferred the first story, but, fair enough, there you go!