Five rivalries that can match the Ashes

#3 England-South Africa

Donald Floors Atherton

As far as historic value is concerned, the England v South Africa Test series, now known as the Basil D'Oliveira Trophy, is right up there with the Ashes. The first series was played in 1888-89. England dominated the rivalry in the early years but after South Africa's readmission to cricket in the early 1990s, it has been extremely even.

11 Test series have been played over the past 24 years, both teams have won 4 series apiece and 3 have been drawn, to make it one of the most engrossing Test series in the cricketing cycle.

Moreover, the series has also seen some of the finest performances over the years. Michael Atherton's near 11-hour vigil at the crease to save the Johannesburg Test in 1995 or Allan Donald's brutal spell in 1998 are some of the high points of this modern rivalry.