For many Australians, the heat of summer truly sets in with the first ball being bowled for the Ashes. The five-Test series between Australia and England is much more than just a game of cricket, it is an emanation of passion for national pride, heritage, and tradition. Over the years, the Ashes have grown into one of the most powerful symbols of Australian identity, bringing families, generations, and communities together in ways few sport events have been able to. A Long History of Rivalry Image Source: Getty Images The Ashes started in 1882 after England had ignominiously lost to Australia at The Oval. There was a satirical obituary in a British newspaper that said, "The death of English cricket occurred on the date of the Oval Test Match", and so began the longest rivalry in sports. The match for the Ashes has since captured the imagination of fans in both nations. This rivalry carries great emotion and encompasses a special culture and pride for Australians. Each series sees very similar emotions on display, excitement, expectation along with the feeling of camaraderie that is centuries old! These are about family affairs and traditions, whether you agree or disagree. Also Read | Glenn McGrath Predicts Thrilling Scoreline Outcome for Ashes 2025-26 Series Family, Tradition, and Togetherness Living the Ashes is another matter entirely. The series becomes a part of Australian summers. In summers, families grow together while discussions become heated over barbecues, and children mature while listening to war stories of the yesteryears. Each tale is passed down from one generation to the other. Don Bradman facts follow everybody! Australian-based family man Brian Gainsford spoke about it in an interview for The Sydney Morning Herald: "Our family would always go to Manly in January for the holidays… then we'd go to the Test match. We were a sporting family but our main aim was to go to the Test match." So many Australians have their childhood memories associated with this rivalry. It is just the sound of the radio commentary resonating through the house while the TV runs in the background. And the claps when a wicket falls. Down the generations they are bonding over moments they share: grandparents explaining strategies; parents telling stories of memorable victories; and children starting their own journey on the game. More Than Just Cricket Image Source: BBC In that sense, the Ashes are certainly an emotional test between both countries, one of careful skills. The two sides are two of the biggest cricketing powerhouses with a deeply rooted history of any other nations. Each delivery to boundaries or clean bowler, any ridge shared by the two belligerents, adds up as more than a tale of nearly 140 years. The rivalry does complete justice to both teams and their fans in every right and reason. What more could a fan wish for when it is “Stroke by rotating strike, by nail-biting down to the last ball”? Australians savor every moment, every run scored against England; celebrating success in such a way that the echoes of victory can be heard throughout the country. Though some might not know cricket, they would say, 'It's always fun to ask for the Englishmen to be beaten.' And there is something of the spirit, humor, and fortitude or daring, showing themselves to those who may not be so acquainted with the sport: a loyalty that goes beyond the sport itself-everyone being proud of his country. Also Read | Ashes Ticket Sales Surge After Fiery ENG vs IND Series A Summer of Memories Every generation has Ashes heroes of its own. From Bradman’s brilliance in the 1930s to Shane Warne's "Ball of the Century,” from McGrath’s line-generous bowling to Smith, the man of modern era, there are certain moments to every era. These performances are no longer just about the records, but radical commonalities for all Australians linking one another and filling with pride to be a nation. Lastly, the Ashes also point towards the remarkable floating of a beginning of the Australian summer. The beaches, barbecues, and long holidays fit hand in hand with the rhythm of the Test cricket. For many, it is the heart of the season, a reminder that sport can yield joy, love, and connection to millions. Why it Still Matters Today In a world where T20 leagues and franchise cricket have caught up with the sport at an accelerated pace, what is still striking out about the Ashes Test cricket is its endurance, character, and time unfolding slowly. Every ball counts, every over tells us a story, and every match becomes a piece of the competition. The Ashes is the way Australians express pride, the opportunity to remain connected to family, and shared joy. It is a part of growing up, a part of summer, and a part of being Australian. The one thing that ties this country together and continues to do so is cricket, and one Ashes goes by one summer. Aussies Dominates the Ashes Teams Ashes Series Result Australia 34 England 32 Drawn 7