Ashes series

Regular international cricket contest between England and Australia, so called because the trophy consists of the burnt bails from an 1882 game between the countries at [The Oval]?. The custom arose when, after this game, The Sporting Times printed the following "obituary" to English cricket:

"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."

Notable ashes series took place in 1933 (the Bodyline tour), 1948 (Bradman's unbeatable Australian side) and 1981 (in which an England team spearheaded by [Ian Botham]? won a thrilling series).