The two countries competing for the Ashes in cricket are England and Australia. This historic competition is one of the oldest and most celebrated rivalries in cricket, dating back to the 19th century. The Ashes series consists of test matches played between the two nations, marking a significant event in the cricketing calendar. The term "Ashes" originated from a satirical obituary published in a British newspaper, symbolizing the series' fierce nature and the prestige associated with winning.