While out yesterday, came across the grave of Albert Neilson Hornby in the parish church in Acton.
The Test match in 1882 was a one-off game played at The Oval in London, England, and the English cricket team lost it to Australia by seven runs. In response, the Sporting Times printed the following "obituary" to English cricket:
In Affectionate Remembrance of ENGLISH CRICKET, which died at the Oval on 29th AUGUST, 1882, Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances R.I.P. N.B. – The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.
Thus was born the greatest rivalry in cricket which to this day is known as The Ashes.
See also:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._N._Hornby