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Cricket Scores Ashes – 2023 Series Results and Highlights

Thomas James Jones Williams • 2026-04-03 • Reviewed by Ethan Collins

The 73rd Ashes series concluded in July 2023 with a rare 2–2 drawn result, yet Australia retained cricket’s most coveted prize. Contested across five Test matches in England from June 16 to July 31, the series marked the first deadlock since 2019 and delivered dramatic finishes, weather interventions, and individual brilliance that defined the 141-year rivalry.

England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach collided with Australia’s disciplined bowling attack throughout the summer. While Wikipedia’s comprehensive match records document the statistical outcomes, the narrative revealed itself through narrow victories at Edgbaston, Lord’s, and Headingley, plus a rain-affected stalemate at Old Trafford.

As part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship, each fixture carried points significance beyond the symbolic urn. Australia entered as defending champions following their 4–0 demolition in 2021–22, leaving them with everything to lose and England with everything to prove.

What Are the Latest Ashes Cricket Scores?

The 2023 series finalized its ledger with Australia claiming victories at Edgbaston and Lord’s, England responding with wins at Headingley and The Oval, and the fourth Test at Old Trafford ending without a result. This outcome meant Australia kept the urn despite the stalemate, continuing their reign since the previous cycle.

Current Status: Series Drawn 2–2 (Australia retain urn)
Tests Played: 5 (June 16 – July 31, 2023)
Next Ashes: 2025–26 (Australia)
Urn Holder: Australia (defending champions)
  • Australia won the first two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s by narrow margins
  • England secured comeback victories at Headingley and The Oval
  • The Old Trafford Test ended in a draw due to persistent Manchester rain
  • Usman Khawaja topped the batting charts with 496 runs for Australia
  • The series formed a crucial component of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship
  • Australia retained the Ashes despite the drawn series due to their 2021–22 victory
  • England’s aggressive batting approach produced the highest team total of 592 declared
Fact Detail
Series Result 2023 Drawn 2–2 (Australia retain)
1st Test (Edgbaston) Australia won by 2 wickets
2nd Test (Lord’s) Australia won by 43 runs
3rd Test (Headingley) England won by 3 wickets
4th Test (Old Trafford) Drawn (rain affected)
5th Test (The Oval) England won by 49 runs
Top Run Scorer Usman Khawaja (496 runs)
Host Nation England
Venues Edgbaston, Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval
Historical Context 73rd Ashes series overall

Who Won the Ashes Series 2023?

Technically, no side won the 2023 Ashes. The 2–2 deadlock meant Australia retained the urn by virtue of being defending champions, a bittersweet conclusion to a fiercely contested summer. Cricket Australia’s official records confirm the drawn outcome while acknowledging the retention.

How Did Australia Dominate the Opening Tests?

Australia struck first at Edgbaston, chasing 281 on the fourth day despite rain delays. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon guided the tourists home by two wickets in a tense finish. At Lord’s, Steve Smith’s half-century and Travis Head’s 77 anchored a first-innings 416, setting up a 43-run victory that left England reeling at 0–2.

Where Did England Turn the Tide?

Headingley hosted the series’ most dramatic turnaround. Chasing 251, England slipped to 171 for five before Harry Brook and Ben Stokes forged a match-winning partnership to secure a three-wicket triumph. NDTV Sports’ match reports detail the final-day tension that revived English hopes.

Why Did Old Trafford End Without a Result?

England dominated the fourth Test, declaring 592 for eight, but Manchester weather intervened. Australia reached 214 for five when rain washed out the final day, denying England a potential series-levelling victory and effectively securing Australia’s retention of the urn.

Urn Retention Rules

In Ashes cricket, the defending champion retains the urn if the series ends in a draw. Australia entered 2023 as holders after their 4–0 victory in 2021–22, meaning the 2–2 result preserved their status without requiring an outright series win.

Where Can I Watch Live Ashes Cricket Scores?

Live coverage of the 2023 Ashes varied significantly by region, with broadcasters holding exclusive rights across different territories. Flashscore archives provide comprehensive ball-by-ball records for completed matches, serving as a reliable historical reference for scorecards and statistics.

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What Is the Ashes Series?

The Ashes represents Test cricket’s oldest and most intense rivalry, dating to 1882 when Australia defeated England at The Oval, prompting a mock obituary for English cricket in the Sporting Times. The bailed urn, reputedly containing cricket ashes, has since symbolized supremacy between the two nations across 73 official series.

What Is the Format?

Traditionally contested over five Test matches in alternate countries every two years, the Ashes forms part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. India Today’s coverage tracked the 2023 edition as it unfolded across England’s iconic venues, each Test lasting up to five days.

When Does the Rivalry Resume?

The next Ashes series is scheduled for 2025–26 in Australia, though exact dates and venues remain pending ICC confirmation. For fans planning to follow from abroad, understanding the Melbourne Time Zone – AEST, AEDT and DST Explained proves essential for scheduling viewing of matches in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

Test Championship Points

The 2023 series contributed directly to the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship standings, with each Test offering crucial points toward the final at Lord’s in 2025.

Future Scheduling Uncertainty

While the 2025–26 Ashes in Australia is confirmed, specific match dates, venue allocations, and broadcast arrangements remain unannounced as of the 2023 series conclusion.

How Did the 2023 Ashes Series Progress?

  1. Edgbaston: Australia defeated England by 2 wickets, chasing 281 on Day 4 despite rain interruptions.
  2. Lord’s: Australia won by 43 runs, with Steve Smith and Travis Head starring with the bat.
  3. Headingley: England won by 3 wickets, sparked by Ben Stokes and Harry Brook’s chase of 251.
  4. Old Trafford: Match drawn. England declared 592 but rain prevented a result with Australia 214 for five.
  5. The Oval: England won by 49 runs, with Chris Woakes and Todd Murphy prominent in the bowling.

Which Ashes Facts Are Definitively Established?

Established Information Uncertain or Pending Details
2023 Series ended 2–2 Exact dates for 2025–26 Tests
Australia retained the urn Venue allocations for 2025–26
Usman Khawaja scored 496 runs (highest) Broadcast rights holders for next series
Five Tests played across England Squad selections for either nation
Series part of 2023–2025 WTC Weather conditions for future matches

What Is the Historical Significance of the Ashes?

The rivalry has produced cricket’s most iconic moments since 1882. Hindustan Times’ historical records note Australia holds 35 series victories to England’s tally through 2023. Don Bradman remains the statistical king with 5,028 Ashes runs and 19 centuries, benchmarks that have stood for generations.

Australia’s 4–0 triumph in 2021–22 had established them as dominant force, making the 2023 draw a significant shift in momentum. The 2023 result marked England’s first non-loss since 2019, suggesting the competitive balance may be restoring itself ahead of the 2025–26 encounters.

What Did Players Say About the 2023 Campaign?

Leadership figures from both camps reflected on the unique pressure of the rivalry. Australian captain Pat Cummins emphasized the significance of retaining the urn on foreign soil despite the drawn series, noting the resilience required to hold off England’s aggressive tactics.

Retaining the Ashes in England is always a massive achievement. The way the group fought through tough periods, especially at Headingley and The Oval, showed real character.

— Pat Cummins, Australia Captain (via Cricket Australia)

What Are the Key Takeaways from the 2023 Ashes?

The 2–2 deadlock demonstrated that modern cricket’s longest format retains its capacity for unpredictability. While Australia preserved their status as urn-holders, England’s Bazball revolution proved competitive against the world’s best Test side. With the 2025–26 series awaiting in Australia, the rivalry stands perfectly balanced, promising another chapter of closely contested cricket when the teams reconvene Down Under.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ashes Cricket

How many tests were played in the 2023 Ashes?

The 2023 Ashes series consisted of five Test matches played across England at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

When is the next Ashes series scheduled?

The next Ashes series is scheduled for 2025–26 in Australia, though exact dates and venues remain pending official ICC confirmation.

Did England win any tests in the 2023 Ashes?

Yes, England won two Tests: the third Test at Headingley by three wickets and the fifth Test at The Oval by 49 runs.

Who was the top scorer in the 2023 Ashes?

Australia’s Usman Khawaja led all batsmen with 496 runs across the five Tests, followed by England’s Zak Crawley with 480 runs.

Where can I find ball-by-ball Ashes scores?

Historical ball-by-ball scores for the 2023 series are available through Flashscore archives and official board websites like Cricket Australia and the ECB.

What happens if the Ashes series is drawn?

If an Ashes series ends in a draw, the defending champion (the team that won the previous series) retains the urn.

How many Tests did Australia win in 2023?

Australia won two Tests in the 2023 series: the first Test at Edgbaston by two wickets and the second Test at Lord’s by 43 runs.


Thomas James Jones Williams

About the author

Thomas James Jones Williams

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.