If you’ve recently arrived in Australia, you may have already heard people talking about the Ashes. It’s one of the biggest cricket events in the world and a major part of sporting culture here. Even if you’ve never watched cricket before, the Ashes is a great chance to join in, learn something new and enjoy the lively atmosphere around Perth.
What Is the Ashes?
The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between Australia and England. The two teams have been competing for the tiny urn since 1882, when Australia won a match in England and a British newspaper joked that English cricket had “died,” and its ashes would be taken to Australia. The name stuck, and the series has grown into one of the most-watched events in international cricket.
Test matches run for up to five days, but you don’t need to understand every rule to enjoy the spirit of the event. For many people, the Ashes represents friendly rivalry, long-standing tradition, and a good excuse to get together with friends.
How to Enjoy the Atmosphere Even If You’re Not a Cricket Fan
Not everyone is a sports fan and five days of cricket can sound like a lot. Luckily, you don’t need to follow every moment to have fun.
Join for short periods.
Test matches move slowly, so you can drop in for half an hour, watch a few overs, and then head off.
Focus on the social side.
People love explaining cricket to newcomers and you’ll learn local slang and culture along the way. Sharing snacks, chatting and reacting to big moments is part of the experience.
Pick a team.
Even choosing Australia “because you live here now” makes the match more enjoyable. A little bit of friendly rivalry goes a long way.
Listen to the crowd.
Cheering, groans and applause tell you what’s happening even when you don’t understand the rules. It’s fun to follow the energy in the room.
Useful Cricket Vocabulary
Here are some simple terms that will help you understand the basics:
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Batter/Batsman – The player hitting the ball.
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Bowler – The player delivering the ball.
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Over – Six balls bowled by one player.
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Wicket – Can mean the wooden stumps or the dismissal of a player.
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Run – The points scored by the batting team.
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Innings – A team’s turn to bat.
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LBW (Leg Before Wicket) – A type of dismissal where the ball hits the batter’s leg in front of the stumps.
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Boundary – A shot that reaches the edge of the field (four or six runs).
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Catch – When a fielder catches the ball before it hits the ground.
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Test Match – Cricket’s longest format, played over several days.
Whether you’re a sports lover or completely new to cricket, the Ashes is a great entry point into Australian culture. Perth’s social spaces make it easy to join the fun, meet new people and experience the excitement of one of the world’s oldest sporting rivalries.
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