Hats off! A sincere husband ethically skips Test series involving Australia (5)

I believe the answer is:

ashes

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But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for ashes that I've seen before include "trees" , "Cricketing trophy - remains" , "Former Wimbledon champion's" , "''... to ..., dust to dust'' (burial service)" , "Residue form fires" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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