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Any fan of cricket will know the importance that The Ashes plays in the sport. It is one of the oldest sporting rivalries that is still played today, and pits two of cricket's powerhouses against one another in a biennial series. The tournament dates as far back as 1882, and has not only continued to be highly successful over the years, but has increased in popularity with every passing series.

England and Australia are regarded as the two national teams that brought cricket to the fore. Their 19th century fixtures brought about the dawn of professional cricket, and over the past century The Ashes has continued to be one of the most popular cricket series watched throughout the world. The series has continued to evolve over the generations, and is currently contested over five Test matches.

Cricket is no exception when it comes to online gambling, and The Ashes is one of the biggest sporting events at online bookmakers in not just the UK and Australia, but throughout the rest of Europe and Asia as well. Depending on where the competition is played - alternating series in England and Australia - the bookies name their favourite selections. And despite Australia dominating world cricket for most of the 90s and 00s, The Ashes has always been an event not afraid of dishing out shock upsets from time to time.

Some of the best players in the world have competed at the highest level alongside their Ashes teammates. Don Bradman was perhaps the most successful cricketer of all time, and he made his mark on The Ashes by racking up the most runs of all time, with 5,028. At the other end of the pitch, the epitome of an Aussie sportsman, Shane Warne, holds the record for the most Ashes wickets, with 195 dismissals to his name.

But while Australia holds the most records in the history of The Ashes, it is a new England national team that has established itself as the favored Test side when these two teams meet. Australia are the most successful Ashes nation, with 31 titles - including the golden era where they went unbeaten from 1989 right through until 2005. However, England currently hold the Ashes after taking back the trophy in 2009.

With the next Ashes series beginning on November 25th, 2010, the cricket series will again light up the international sporting stage. England will be expected to defend their Ashes title, although they haven't had much luck in recent years when taking on Australia at home. Punters can already make a bet on the first Test in November, as well as futures and props at certain online bookmakers.

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