Empire 310. The Origin of The Ashes & The Killer Cricket Scandal (Part 1)
73 snips
Nov 25, 2025 Tim Wigmore, a cricket writer and author of Test Cricket: A History, dives deep into the intertwined history of cricket and the British Empire. He reveals how the iconic Ashes rivalry originated, sparked by a shocking defeat for England and a satirical obituary. The discussion also touches on Don Bradman, who became a national icon in Australia, and the notorious Bodyline tactic that raised ethical dilemmas and led to political fallout. Wigmore’s insights bring to light how cricket shaped national identities and the lingering impact of key historical moments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Origins And Early International Roots
- Cricket as we recognise it developed in 17th–18th century England with the first modern scorecard in 1744. The first international fixture was USA vs Canada in 1844, pushing cricket into a global context before Test cricket began.
Spofforth's Relentless Bowling
- At the 1882 Oval Test Fred Spofforth vowed he would bowl until Australia won and bowled relentlessly to force England's collapse. The crowd reaction was extreme, with at least one spectator reportedly dying of shock.
How The Ashes Began Symbolically
- The Sporting Times mock obituary after England's 1882 defeat invented the idea of 'the ashes', creating the symbolic urn and long-lasting rivalry. That satirical obituary turned a cricket loss into enduring cultural mythology.
