Not by the Playbook - The clashes for the Ashes

It’s one of the most historic and fearsome sporting rivalries – The Ashes as World Champions Australia up against a reborn England team – There is no contest quite like it.

With the series underway, have you ever wondered why this cricketing duel between Australia and England is called The Ashes? For that we go back to a Test Match at the Oval in South London in 1882 when Australia recorded their first ever win over England. Neil Robinson of the MCC explains the story.

Plus, we are on the road with the power couple of Squash, Ali Farag and Nour El Tayeb of Egypt recently won their respective singles titles at the Manchester Open. As often is the case with elite sport, the journey to the top brings its challenges from dealing with setbacks to travelling on tour with their young daughter so how do they juggle family life with being the best Squash players in the world? Ali will explain all.

Over the next week, Germany will welcome 7,000 athletes from approximately 190 countries to compete in 26 sports in the Special Olympics. For one athlete, his life would have looked radically different if it wasn't for sport. Seven years ago, Gilmour Borg from Malta, joined the Special Olympics team which he says "transformed him as a person". Gilmour is now an ambassador for The Games and has been telling about those struggles during his teenage years that left him isolated and afraid. If you have been impacted by Gilmour's story, advice and help is available, visit BBC Action Line for more information.

Photo: A replica Ashes Urn is photographed prior to an Australia nets session at Edgbaston on June 15, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Credit: Getty Images)

Published on Saturday, 17th June 2023.

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