The Ashes series is a prestigious cricket competition played between the national teams of England and Australia. It consists of five Test matches, typically held every two years, and is named after a small urn that symbolizes the ashes of English cricket, which were said to be "burned" after a defeat to Australia in 1882. The series is one of the oldest and most celebrated rivalries in international cricket, with the first official series taking place in 1882-83. The team that wins the series is awarded the Ashes trophy, and the competition is known for its intense matches and passionate fan support from both nations.