<P> The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia . The series have varied in length, consisting of between one and six Test matches, but since 1998 have been consistently five matches . It is one of sport's most celebrated rivalries and dates back to 1882 . It is generally played biennially, alternating between the United Kingdom and Australia . England are the current holders of the Ashes, having won the 2015 series . </P> <P> Although the first Test series played between England and Australia was in the 1876--77 season, the Ashes originated from the solitary Test which the two nations contested in 1882 . England lost the match, played at The Oval, and a mock obituary was posted in The Sporting Times, declaring the death of English cricket . It stated that: "The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia ." The Honourable Ivo Bligh adopted the term and, as captain of the English party that travelled to Australia the following winter, promised to bring the "Ashes" home . </P>

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