What in th'wide, wide world o'sports are you fellers talkin' about?
Ashes?
???
Why, cricket of course.

The Ashes of English cricket. A ceremony held the first time those darned Aussies beat the heck out of us.


PS. http://www.icc-cricket.com/db/ARCHIVE/BY_OPPONENT/AUS-ENG/HISTORY/

"In affectionate remembrance of English cricket which died at The Oval, 29th August, 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances, RIP. NB The body will be cremated and the Ashes taken to Australia."