The Ashes

Here in the UK, you'd have to be pretty well-settled into a deep, deep, deep pre-holiday {alcohol-induced?} fog to be unaware of that certain cricket match currently taking place down under.  The Ashes, this sport's most celebrated rivalry, is a hotly contested enterprise taking place biennially between the UK & Australia since 1882.

The contest's odd title originates from a satirical obituary published in The Sporting Times after a match in which Australia had beaten England on an English ground for the first time. The English media dubbed the next tour to Australia 'the quest to regain The Ashes'.

England currently holds The Ashes, having defeated Australia 2–1 in 2009 {in England and, for the first time, Wales}. This year, the series is in Australia, where the UK leads 1-0 with 3 matches to go.

The match continues in Perth on 16 December.  And if you're not sure just how to watch cricket, I'd suggest taking a pint and focusing on Stuart Broad.  Despite the fact that he's been sidelined due to an abdominal injury, he's quite sound viewing nonetheless.

Cheers.