Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke are the respective captains of England and Australia. The two countries have competed against each other since the first series Ashes in 1882 with the Urn the big prize.
Arch enemies —
Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke are the respective captains of England and Australia. The two countries have competed against each other since the first series Ashes in 1882 with the Urn the big prize.
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England is favorite to win this series after winning the past two editions. England won the five-match series 3-1 in Australia in 2011 -- its first win down under in 24 years.
England expects —
England is favorite to win this series after winning the past two editions. England won the five-match series 3-1 in Australia in 2011 -- its first win down under in 24 years.
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England's Kevin Pietersen is one of the most recognizable figures in world cricket. The batsman came to prominence during the 2005 series victory over Australia.
Pietersen primed —
England's Kevin Pietersen is one of the most recognizable figures in world cricket. The batsman came to prominence during the 2005 series victory over Australia.
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The 1981 series was named 'Botham's Ashes' after England's Ian Botham produced a heroic display to inspire a 3-1 series win. On the cusp of going 2-0 down, Botham hit 149 before Bob Willis claimed 8-43 to seal victory at Headingley, Leeds.
Botham brilliance —
The 1981 series was named 'Botham's Ashes' after England's Ian Botham produced a heroic display to inspire a 3-1 series win. On the cusp of going 2-0 down, Botham hit 149 before Bob Willis claimed 8-43 to seal victory at Headingley, Leeds.
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Australia's Don Bradman, acknowledged as the finest batsman to have ever played the game, made his debut against England in 1928. He went on to score 5,028 runs in Ashes series during an illustrious career.
The Don —
Australia's Don Bradman, acknowledged as the finest batsman to have ever played the game, made his debut against England in 1928. He went on to score 5,028 runs in Ashes series during an illustrious career.
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Australia dominated the 1990s and early 2000's, winning nine out of 10 series. Its last victory came in 2007 when it defeated England 5-0. Between 1989 and 2003, Australia won eight straight series with the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting all involved.
Awesome Aussies —
Australia dominated the 1990s and early 2000's, winning nine out of 10 series. Its last victory came in 2007 when it defeated England 5-0. Between 1989 and 2003, Australia won eight straight series with the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting all involved.
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Australian fast bowler McGrath and spin bowler Shane Warner combined to provide their team with one of the most fearsome attacks in world cricket. McGrath claimed 563 wickets in 124 matches, while Warne took 708 wickets in his career, the second highest of all time.
Double act —
Australian fast bowler McGrath and spin bowler Shane Warner combined to provide their team with one of the most fearsome attacks in world cricket. McGrath claimed 563 wickets in 124 matches, while Warne took 708 wickets in his career, the second highest of all time.
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England cricket fans travel across the globe to support their team and have been nicknamed 'The Barmy Army'. They are particularly adept at giving the Australian players a piece of their mind.
Barmy Army —
England cricket fans travel across the globe to support their team and have been nicknamed 'The Barmy Army'. They are particularly adept at giving the Australian players a piece of their mind.
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Australia's fans are known as 'The Fanatics' and will be hoping for something to shout about after losing the past two series.
Fanatics —
Australia's fans are known as 'The Fanatics' and will be hoping for something to shout about after losing the past two series.
Hamish Blair/Getty Images
Andrew Flintoff, nicknamed Freddie, was the hero for England in 2005 as he helped wrestle the Ashes back for the first time in 18 years. Flintoff scored 402 runs and took 24 wickets in an epic series.
Fearsome Fred —
Andrew Flintoff, nicknamed Freddie, was the hero for England in 2005 as he helped wrestle the Ashes back for the first time in 18 years. Flintoff scored 402 runs and took 24 wickets in an epic series.
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