On This Day: The Ashes came to life

On this day in 1882, the greatest rivalry in Cricket spurred to life and the Ashes was born. Since then, Australia and England have been enemies, looking to defame each other at any cost.

The three-match series was tied 1-1 and England were on course for a win as Australia set them a meagre target of 85 runs in the fourth innings. When WG Grace got out, England were 51-2 and were smelling victory. But then came the demon who burned that smell and turned the English happiness into ashes.

Fred Spofforth, the Australian seamer wreaked havoc and picked up seven wickets to bowl England out for 77, eight runs away from victory. The victory was mocked by The Sporting Times in the form of an obituary, where they claimed England died at The Oval. The urn was offered to the Aussies and since then, the teams have been fighting over it.