Who holds the Ashes? History and results of Australia v England cricket series

After Mitch Marsh's defiant hundred and Mark Wood's blistering pace defined the first day at Headingley, the third Test hangs nicely in the balance. 

After falling short in the first two Tests, England will need to quickly find form if they hope to take anything from the series. 

Who currently holds the Ashes?

Australia hold the Ashes urn after retaining them in emphatic style when they hammered England 4-0 on home turf in 2021-22 Test series, while their performances across four matches in the 2023 series was enough to retain the urn.

MORE: The Ashes 2023: Who has won the most Test series between England and Australia?

The Aussies regained the famous urn in 2017-18 at home, with captain Steve Smith racking up 687 runs for the series, and retained them during the 2019 series draw in England.

England last held the Ashes following their 3-2 series win in 2015, when Stuart Broad went on a tear and finished with 8-15, the best figures in Ashes history. 

Who has won the most Ashes series? 

Of the 72 series played to date, Australia have won 34 and England have won 32, with six series ending in draws. 

The past 10 series between the two sides has been rather even, with England winning five and Australia winning four.

There has only been one drawn series in the past 50 years, when the 2019 edition in England finished with two wins apiece, allowing the Aussies to retain the urn. 

The Ashes full history, results and stats

Overall series history

Overall Test match breakdown