Definition of the ashes:
(n) :
(cricket) A series of Test cricket matches played between England and Australia.
(n) :
(cricket) A trophy played for by England and Australia in Test cricket; in the form of a small urn containing the ashes of a cremated cricket stump or set of bails.
(n) :
(rugby league, sports, by extension) A nominal trophy contested by England and Australia in other sports, especially rugby league.
(n) :
(rugby league, sports) A series of such test matches.