The rivalry between the Australian and English has a long history and for the most part has been fuelled by good sport and humour.

A key event in shaping this rivalry occurred in 1882 when the Australian cricket team beat the English for the first time.

Lady Janet Clarke had one of the bails from the match and the ashes placed in a terracotta perfume urn.  In a humorous nod to Sir Reginald’s obituary and Bligh’s subsequent pledge, she presented the urn containing the ashes to the captain, giving life to the Ashes myth.