At Homebush Bay, Ashes may be played

HOMEBUSH BAY could host the next Sydney Ashes Test in 2011, with Cricket NSW exploring the avenue of moving internationals away from the SCG unless it can strike a better deal with the ground's management.
The revelation will shock purists and it would take some poor negotiating by the SCG Trust to lose the pinnacle cricket event on Sydney's sporting calendar. The ANZ Stadium Trust earlier said it was not interested in hosting Test matches, but the money generated by an Ashes Test can no longer be ignored by its accountants.
Still, the SCG Trust retains the upper hand and when negotiations for hosting rights beyond next year begin shortly it will be keen to iron out disputes before Homebush's ANZ Stadium can swoop in to snatch the Ashes away.
The rights for international matches were negotiated in 2004 and expire at the end of next year. The first match of 2011 will be the Sydney Ashes Test.
Australian opener and NSW captain Simon Katich says the main concern playing Tests at ANZ Stadium is the wicket, but his experiences there for the Blues have been positive.
''It would be a huge surprise if Test cricket, or even four day shield cricket, was moved from the SCG because it's the home, the traditional venue and a great place to play,'' he said.
''In saying that, we've played a lot of one day cricket out at ANZ Stadium … the game is always developing and changing, who knows where it could head now with where we play, but it would be a shock if we moved from the SCG.
''I think the only issue might be that the wicket at ANZ is a drop-in wicket and people are always worried about losing the characteristics of all the five different [Ashes Test] venues in Australia. That would be an issue, but in terms of attendances out there, we obviously get great crowds for the Blues and being a big stadium who knows what a Test match could draw out there?
''I'm not sure which way negotiations will go but it's an interesting time for where the game could be headed, for Test cricket in particular.''
Cricket NSW chief executive David Gilbert said while the SCG was his favourite venue, he was keen to deliver a deal that best rewards the game and his organisation.
It's understood there would have to be leeway on part of the SCG Trust in any new deal, which would benefit Cricket NSW financially.
An ANZ Stadium spokesman said: ''Our focus is on Twenty20 and ODI because these forms of the game have a natural fit with the stadium as major events. In relation to Test cricket, that's up to Cricket NSW. We're happy to explore the opportunities as they arise.''
SCG Trust chief executive Jamie Barclay said: ''There have been no discussions with Cricket NSW at the present time, this whole thing was determined in 2004. We look forward to sitting down and discussing it all very soon.''

Vaughan urges Strauss to take a break before challenging for the Ashes

MICHAEL VAUGHAN believes captain Andrew Strauss should be rested for the tour of Bangladesh to give England the best possible opportunity of retaining the Ashes in Australia.
Strauss flew out with his squad at the weekend for a tough tour of South Africa which follows hot on the heels of a gruelling summer schedule, which included a World Twenty 20 tournament and the Champions Trophy on top of England's Ashes victory. After two 20 over and five 50 over internationals against the Proteas, as well as four Tests, England move next onto Bangladesh before another busy summer leads up to a trip to Australia.Strauss and coach Andy Flower were not slow to rest overworked players this summer giving the likes of James Anderson and Paul Collingwood a break during the one-day series against Ricky Ponting's men. And Vaughan, who skippered England to Ashes success in 2005, believes Strauss must take time away himself to ensure he is mentally ready for the challenges ahead."I think he should be rested," Vaughan said. "You've got to look at the bigger picture. The guys are playing far too much."It's not the actual playing side, it's the mental side of being away and constantly being in a cricket environment."So just taking Straussy out for a three-week break will regenerate his energy levels going into next summer and we have to have all our players fit and firing for next winter which is the big one – the Ashes."However, resting Strauss would of course bring up another major issue in who could then take over the captaincy.The abrupt departure of Kevin Pietersen from the post put into sharp focus the lack of options England have at their disposal, with Strauss seen by many as the only man in the set-up capable of taking on the role.Opener Alastair Cook is now the official vice-captain and logic would dictate that he would stand in for the Bangladesh tour should Strauss be absent. But Vaughan believes that, with the 24-year-old having struggled for form this year, the decision is not as straightforward as it may seem."That's not been decided yet," he said. "I think we're all jumping to conclusions."Cooky's under a huge amount of pressure this series to deliver. He's had a good time in the team since he came in. "He's developed a real strong respect from the rest of the players which is ultimately what you need as a captain. "But he has to deliver with runs on the board and he has to get a lot of runs in South Africa just to give himself that confidence that, if he does get the job, he's speaking from a position of strength."

Only a start Ashes win

Andrew Strauss has demanded his England side views its Ashes triumph as only a stepping stone to become the world's best team.
England arrived in South Africa on Sunday for its two-and-a-half month tour with the long term goal of replacing Graeme Smith's side at the top of the rankings.
It reclaimed the last time the Ashes in 2005 it followed it up with a 2-0 Test series defeat in Pakistan the following season.
Strauss is determined to ensure a similar scenario is avoided against South Africa and insists England's players realise challenging times lie ahead.
"We've talked a lot about how winning the Ashes is not the end of the road, it's almost the starting point for us to improve," he said.
"We'd be lying if we didn't want to be the number one side in the world.
"But if you look at how the ranking system works it will take a number of years of solid progression from where we are at the moment and consistency is crucial.
"Ultimately it's about not taking our foot off the gas.
"The perception of the post-2005 period is that we took our eye off the ball quite badly. I'm not comfortable with that myself.
"I remember that Pakistan tour and how hard we worked at it. We had a number of very crucial injuries which didn't help.
"If you look at our performances over the last 12 months we're far from the genuine article and where we want to be.
"No one in the squad truly believes we've made it, we've got a long way to go. I want to see our players hungry and committed."
England must face South Africa over four Tests without talisman Freddie Flintoff, who retired from the five-day game after the Ashes.
It is hoped all-rounder Stuart Broad will emerge as Flintoff's successor following his heroics this year, but Strauss is keen to minimise any hype surrounding the 23-year-old.
"Stuart has his head screwed on. There has been a lot of media attention on him but he realises that there's much room for him to improve," he said.
"He's excited about that and he's very keen to contribute to this team.
"We're excited about him but the last thing I want to do is put a huge amount of expectation on his shoulders.
"You must give people room to improve and hopefully he'll continue that development this winter.
"It's not a realistic expectation for Broad to fill Flintoff's shoes in both disciplines in the short term.
"It would be wrong to heap that expectation on his shoulders.
"Over the years we've had to do without Flintoff quite often and what we've found is that we've done quite well by everyone taking responsibility and playing a bit better.
"Stuart Broad is not a like-for-like replacement for Flintoff anyway but he has his own set of skills, some of which are world class and some of which need work.
"We don't want him to be the saviour we turn to, we need all 11 to do that."

Harmy plots Ashes return

STEVE HARMISON last night told Andrew Strauss: I am not finished yet.
Pace ace Harmy was rocked after being left out of England's winter tour to South Africa.
Even more so as he had played a part in regaining just three months ago The Ashes.
Skipper Strauss and coach Andy Flower hurt the snub from England.
Many predicted Harmison would never be seen on the international stage again, as Durham pals and pace rivals Graham Onions and Liam Plunkett got the nod.
But after penning a new four year deal worth around £600,000 at the Riverside, he is raring to go and would love the opportunity to let rip at the Aussies again in the Ashes series Down Under at the end of next year.
Harmy, 31, said: "England are going through an exciting time. They are going with a group of young fast bowlers to South Africa, which will be helpful for them. I really hope they do well.
"I love playing for England though and if the call came I would love to play again. People ask me if I am going to retire, but why should I retire?
"South Africa will be tough. There will be hard days coming up for England and they have to stick with the policy if that is how they are going forward.
"But I have 226 wickets from 60-odd Tests, so I feel my point has been proven. My record stands up with most.
"I will go out like I did this year and last to try and take some wickets for Durham. And if that sees my name put in the hat to play for England again, and I can be of service, I will be glad to do that.
"I would have been fine to play this winter. The problem is the games that take place between now and Australia.
"If I knew it wasn't possible for me to go to Australia, I would come out and retire for the sake of everybody. That Ashes series is a long way away. But if I feel I can give something, I will make my feelings clear then."
England have a highly congested schedule before locking horns with the Aussies again.
Harmy added: "First is South Africa, then Bangladesh, then they come back and play the summer and then it is straight into The Ashes.
"England are going to need a few more fast bowlers. That is why people in England have to be careful not to put too much pressure on the young kids."

Jonathan Trott relishing debut against Australia in fifth Ashes Test

Jonathan Trott announced his arrival in the England Test side by declaring it will be the Aussies under forces this week not him.
Trott is confident he can make the transition from county pro to Ashes hero when he mall out on his start to bat for England in place of the axed Ravi Bopara.
And in the winner takes all Fifth npower Test he can be accurate of a typically in yourface Aussie welcome at the Brit Oval on Thursday.
"There is a lot of pressure on the Australian side to retain the Ashes," said Trott. "We're going out there to play for the win, and having a positive mindset hopefully we'll come out on top.
"Any match that you make your first introduction in is going to be huge really and I've got a good one.
"I'm beatify as damnation. It is something I've worked really difficult for and I've been playing pretty well this period so I hope it can continue and I can play well this week
"When I go out to bat I feel a lot calmer than when I'm waiting to bat so it will be interesting to see how I feel. I'm going to stay as relaxed as possible, because when I was a bit younger I used to get up tight in wanting things to happen rather than letting nature take its course."
It is the same advance that the chooser have taken. Rather than go for anything imaginative or emotionally charged, they have stuck with consistency.
They've picked the next batting cab off the rank and even though they are looking for a No.3 they've ended up with a middle order batsman forcing them to move the seemingly unreliable Ian Bell back to first wicket down.
This game though will tell us whether the conclusion to go with agreement above everything else is a good one. The thing that a selection policy like this accommodate is something to hide behind when it goes wrong, but there can be no hiding place next week.
"It is a big Test and we've got to win it," said national selector Geoff Miller. "There are always options to go in all kinds of directions, but we are a consistent selection team and we have a consistent selection policy.
"Having been part of the squad at Headingley, Jonathan was the next batsman in line in our view and this rewards him for the good form he has shown.
"Ravi has been struggling for form in the Test matches and that is why we've relieved him, but he is a quality player and I've no doubt that he will be back."
Trott has been picking the brains of his county team helper Bell over what is in store for him and England fans will be hoping that he is a natural when it comes to Test cricket.

Thomson: England have no chance of winning the Ashes

London, Aug 13 (PTI) Legendary Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson has ruled out any chance of England winning the Ashes bowl despite the return of Andrew Flintoff who has been declared apposite for his swan song Test."England have no chance of winning the Ashes -? because the Aussies no longer fear Freddie Flintoff," Thomson said."Bringing Flintoff back for the final Test at The Oval next week won't fool our blokes. They know England are pinning all their hopes on a saviour charging in to bowl on one leg," he wrote in his column in the 'Daily Mirror'.He added, "the fact is his knee is crocked. England have to take 20 wickets next week to save their skins and, Flintoff or no Flintoff, they haven't got the bowlers to do it"

Ashes entry over Clark's late

SYDNEY — Australia's players were taken to task by the Australian press Saturday after Stuart Clark's devastating return to the bowling lineup helped rout England in the fourth Ashes Test.
Ricky Ponting's team, trailing 1-0 in the five-match series, roared back into contention, bowling out England for 102 and establishing a 94-run lead with their 196 for four by stumps on the opening day of the Headingley Test.
Peter Siddle was photograph five wickets for 21 runs in 9.5 overs and Clark three for 18 in 10 overs as the Australians had their best as compare to England and it was best day of the series since dominating the opening Cardiff Test.
But it was the belated appearance of 33-year-old Clark, playing in his first Test since elbow surgery last December and it was seriously injured , who captured the headlines with a controlled line of attack that Australia's bowling has missed in this series.
"The selectors' inexplicable resistance to Clark prior to Headingley could not have been more emphatically highlighted as a most serious error as England were unable to survive more than 33 overs," The Sydney Morning Herald's Jamie Pandaram said.
"Clark's comeback could not have been more emphatic; 10 overs for 18 runs and three scalps. He was at his miserly best and the game was going on best, conceding his first run after 17 deliveries, and beating the bat repeatedly."
The best figures although Siddle produced, the Herald's Peter Roebuck said Clark was the pick of the Australian bowlers.
"Belatedly recalled and keeping an unerring length, the old trouper probed constantly, making the batsmen play, always asking questions," he said.
"Clark looked his old self, denying the batsmen soft runs, squeezing them tight, drawing them into prods and taking outside edges."
The Daily Telegraph said Clark "stuck it up" the players with his mesmerising spell.
"Clark had been the invisible man of Australia's Ashes campaign, inexplicably overlooked for the first three Tests as Mitchell Johnson and Peter fear for the England and suddenly struggled and went for more than four runs an over," The Telegraph's Ben Dorries said.
"He was back with a vengeance and created the suffocating pressure that Australia has been sadly lacking in England because they will come back."
ABC radio commentator Jim Maxwell said Clark's overdue return refreshed the tourists' bowling attack
. "In a stunning shift of momentum, triggered by Andrew Flintoff's withdrawal and Matt Prior's back spasm that delayed the toss, England had its worst day of the series," Maxwell said.
"If it can muster a 150-run lead, Australia should be levelling the series on Monday because they are fear," he said.
The Herald said it was difficult to see England recovering from their first innings debacle.
"It's difficult to see England climbing out of this, having taken so many confidence-shattering blows from Australia, who are finally living up to their number one ranking," it said.
The Australian press was tempered in its reaction to the booing of Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, this time by the Headingley crowd.
"Ponting was booed again as he walked out to bat as Headingley fans ignored the pleas of England cricket bosses to show the Australian skipper some respect," The Daily Telegraph said.
"However, he received warm applause when he walked off the ground as his innings (of 78) lit up the day."

The Ashes 2009 2nd Test has won by England

England has at last had it the 75 year record of not winning a match against Australia in Lord's yesterday as they the second test match by 115 runs.
The contest was in the equilibrium at the start of play. Clarke and Haddin put in an outstanding partnership to take Australia to 313/5 with a 185 partnership at the close of play day 5. An Australian conquest was still in the cards as two came to bat in the morning.
Things, however, changed dramatically as Flintoff took the first wicket of the day in the second over. Haddin was caught behind at the slips by Collingwood and departed without adding up any runs to the overnight score of 313.
The fall of Haddin triggered an Australian collapse, Clarke soon got out miscalculate a well flighted ball from Swann. Clarke was bowled by Swann for 136 runs.
At last, after a lot of hopes and struggles, England has won the match
The celebrations began immediately as England finally won at Lord's against Australia. This is a truly a historic moment for England.
Andrew Flintoff was named as the man of the match for his outstanding performance.

Stage set for a thrilling final day

Lord's as England need to take five wickets to win the second Ashes Test and take a 1-0 series lead .England need five wickets on Monday to win the second Ashes Test and take a 1-0 series lead over Australia.

Npower Ashes Test Series 2009 Fixtures

Find your match and buy the tickets now!

From the first ball against the West Indies in May to the series against Australia in July and August…
It’s going to be a storming 2009 for English cricket.

Date	Match	Location
08 July – 12 July 2009	England vs. Australia	1st npower Test Cardiff
16 July – 20 July 2009	England vs. Australia	2nd npower Test Lord’s
30 July – 03 Aug 2009	England vs. Australia	3rd npower Test Edgbaston
07 Aug – 11 Aug 2009	England vs. Australia	4th npower Test Headingley Carnegie
20 Aug – 24 Aug 2009	England vs. Australia	5th npower Test The Brit Oval

The Ashes 2009 Game is going to be launched soon by Codemaster

Here's a lot of Ashes Cricket 2009 screenshots, to agree with news that English batsman Kevin Pietersen will be the "face" of the game.Pietersen unite Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Sir Ian Botham in Ashes Cricket 2009's player line-up."I am delighted to be involved with the official game of the Ashes," said 'KP' (like the peanuts). "The game looks unbelievable and I'm sure both England and Australia fans are going to delight the opportunity to take part in a virtual Ashes series. Representing your country in the Ashes is a huge honour and I can't wait for it to start."Codies promises to "build on the heritage" of its classic Brian Lara series with "great batting, bowling and fielding gameplay and authenticity".It's out for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and PC in August.

ENGLAND ASHES TRAINING SQUAD

• AJ Strauss
• AN Cook
• RS Bopara
• KP Pietersen
• PD Collingwood
• †MJ Prior
• A Flintoff
• SCJ Broad
• GP Swann
• JM Anderson
• G Onions
• RJ Sidebottom
• IR Bell
• AU Rashid
• MS Panesar
• JS Foster.

England vs Australia Ashes 2009: Australian Squad

England vs Australia Ashes 2009: Australian Squad
Ashes Tickets

The Ashes 2009 Team Playeser for Australia

• Ricky Ponting
• Stuart Clark
• Nathan Hauritz
• Phillip Hughes
• Mitchell Johnson
• Brett Lee
• Graham Manou
• Peter Siddle
• Michael Clarke (vc)
• Brad Haddin (wk)
• Ben Hilfenhaus
• Michael Hussey
• Simon

Ashes Betting 2009

Unnecessary to say, the Ashes will be one of the most keenly followed sporting events in the 2009 sporting calendar, betting on the various result therefore will be huge as it was in the last three Ashes test series. There will be a wide selection of Ashes betting markets including markets on the top runs scorer for each team and overall along with the top bowler market. What has become very well-liked in cricket betting in recent years is Ashes in-play betting as the game lasts for 4 to 5 days and people like to bet as the game progresses. Cricket followers will have a great choice of Ashes free Bets from the leading online bookmakers and these are available exclusively here.

The Ashes 2009

The Ashes is one of the most keenly awaited and violently competitions in any sport let alone cricket. The England Cricket team and Australia have been fighting out on the cricket field since 1877 and the Ashes history is forceful, lasting and most of all exciting.

This latest series comes in the wake of a series whitewash for England in Australia in the 2006-7 series. Australia soundly beat England 5-0 completing only the fifth ever series whitewash. It was a terrible low ebb for England, who had gone to Australia full of confidence after their Ashes victory in England in 2005 Ashes series. See also 2005 Ashes series and the Ashes 2002/3 series

Today it can said with fairness that Australia are not quite the team they were 3 years ago. The series defeat in 2008 against India tinted that they have their fair share of problems in attack and have struggled after the retirements of Ashes legends, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and wicket keeper, Adam Gilchrist. England therefore come into the game high on confidence, with a new captain in Andrew Strauss and with the full knowledge that they can match Australia in all aspects.

The Australian captain, Ricky Ponting and his Australian team that was named on May 20th, will arrive in England in June 2009. They will be here for three months and will play five Tests, five One Day internationals and one Twenty/20 fixture. They will also play several county teams. There will be 18 players in their squad. During the series the England players will spend the time together, foregoing any County commitments. The first Ashes test, for the first time will be played in Cardiff, with second test at Lords, the third Ashes test will be at Edgebaston, the fourth test at Headingley and the fifth and final test at the Oval.

Ashes Tickets Touts

There are a lot of tickets agents in the market who sell Ashes cricket tickets but not all of them are successful to provide tickets to their customers. Among them only few are successful to provide 100% guaranteed, safe and secure Ashes Tickets to their customers. A list of those ticket agents are as under:-

• Ticket Master
• Getmein
• The Online Ticket Shop
• Seatwave
• The Online Ticket Exchange

Ashes Tickets are on sale now

Ashes Tickets are available on The Online Ticket Shop

For cricket lovers, the Ashes are probably the most thrilling encounter of the two rivalry nations, Australia and England. Since 1882, the Ashes are one of the most historic Test matches ever played. So, The fans of cricket would be aware of the next date of next Ashes Cup 2009, yes Ashes is not so far, The first test is going to take place on 8th July 2008. Buy safe, secure and 100% guaranteed Ashes Cup Npower Series 2009 Tickets on The Online Ticket Shop.

The dates of Ashes Matches are as follows

Wednesday8 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series- 1st Test Tickets
S.W.A.L.E.C StadiumCardiff, United Kingdom
Thursday9 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series- 1st Test Tickets
S.W.A.L.E.C StadiumCardiff, United Kingdom

Friday10 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series- 1st Test Tickets
S.W.A.L.E.C StadiumCardiff, United Kingdom

Saturday11 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series- 1st Test Tickets
S.W.A.L.E.C StadiumCardiff, United Kingdom


Sunday12 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series- 1st Test Tickets
S.W.A.L.E.C StadiumCardiff, United Kingdom

Thursday16 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Ashes Series - 2nd Test Tickets
LordsLondon, United Kingdom

Friday17 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Ashes Series - 2nd Test Tickets
LordsLondon, United Kingdom
Saturday18 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-2nd Test Tickets
LordsLondon, United Kingdom
Sunday19 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Ashes Series - 2nd Test Tickets
LordsLondon, United Kingdom
Monday20 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Ashes Series - 2nd Test Tickets
LordsLondon, United Kingdom
Thursday30 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series- 3rd Test Tickets
EdgbastonBirmingham, United Kingdom
Friday31 Jul 09(10:30)
Npower Ashes Series-3rd Test Tickets
EdgbastonBirmingham, United Kingdom
Saturday1 Aug 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-3rd Test Tickets
EdgbastonBirmingham, United Kingdom

Sunday2 Aug 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-3rd Test Tickets
EdgbastonBirmingham, United Kingdom

Monday3 Aug 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-3rd Test Tickets
EdgbastonBirmingham, United Kingdom

Friday7 Aug 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-4th Test Tickets
Headingley CarnegieLeeds, United Kingdom
Saturday8 Aug 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-4th Test Tickets
Headingley CarnegieLeeds, United Kingdom

Sunday9 Aug 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-4th Test Tickets
Headingley CarnegieLeeds, United Kingdom

Monday10 Aug 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-4th Test Tickets
Headingley CarnegieLeeds, United Kingdom

Tuesday11 Aug 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-4th Test Tickets
Headingley CarnegieLeeds, United Kingdom

Thursday20 Aug 09(10:30)
Npower Test Series-5th Test Tickets
Brit Oval London, United Kingdom

The Ashes Cricket Game

When I was supplying some amusing games to put onto The Ashes Blog, I clearly usual to be putting a cricket game on – but you’ve got to try before you, erm, embed, so visibly I had a crack at playing this Ashes Cricket game first.

A few hours later I emerged from my angry stupor and managed to score a few runs: this cricket thing is addictive.

Its actually fairly difficult to time the ball: difficulty being a shortage in free online games ordinarily. Cricket is also, for an Englishman, a difficult game to master during the three weeks when the weather is fine enough to play it – games like this can only help us hone our skills, though the range of strokes being relatively limited on this Ashes Cricket game might explain why our batting is so terrible when playing the game for real.

The Ashes Videos

The Ashes outside the world of Cricket

The fame and status of the cricket series has led to many other events taking the name for England against Australia challenge. The best-known and longest-running of these actions is the rugby league contest between Great Britain and Australia. The competition first started in 1908, the name being optional by the touring Australians. Another example is in the British television show Gladiators, where two series were based around the Australia–England competition.

The urn is also featured in the science fiction comedy novel Life, the Universe and Everything, the third "Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" book by Douglas Adams. The urn is stolen by alien robots, as it is part of the key needed to unlock the "Wikkit Gate" and release the imprisoned world of "Krikkit".

In the cinema, the Ashes featured in the film The Final Test, launched in 1953, based on a television play by Terence Rattigan. It stars Jack Warner as an England cricketer playing the last Test of his career, which is the last of an Ashes series; the film contains cameo emergence from famous contemporary Ashes cricketers as well as Jim Laker and Denis Compton.

The Ashes Match venues

The series alternate between England and Australia, and within each country each of the (generally) five matches is supposed to be at a different cricket ground.

In Australia, the grounds presently used are "The Gabba" in Brisbane (first staged an England-Australia Test in the 1932–33 season), Adelaide Oval (1884–85), The WACA, Perth (1970–71) the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) (1876–77) and the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) (1881–82). One Test was held at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground in 1928–29. Conventionally, Melbourne hosts the Boxing Day Test and Sydney hosts the New Year Test, which is the first Test of every year. Cricket Australia has planned that the 2010–11 series contains six Tests, with the extra game to be played at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The England Cricket Board is yet to agree to this.

In England the grounds used are The Oval (since 1880), Old Trafford (1884), Lord's (1884), Trent Bridge (1899), Headingley (1899) and Edgbaston (1902). One Test was held at Bramall Lane, Sheffield in 1902. Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales is listed to hold the first (and its first) Test in the 2009 Ashes series.

The Ashes Today

The Ashes is one of the most severely contest war in cricket.

The stoppage of England to get back to the Ashes for 16 years from 1989, joined with the global dominance of the Australian team, had boring the lustre of the series in recent years throughout most of the cricketing world, although it has remained the most popular cricketing contest for Australians. However, the close results in the 2005 Ashes series, and the overall high quality and competitiveness of the cricket greatly boosted the popularity of the sport in Britain and significantly improved the profile of the Ashes around the world. It remains to be seen whether the irregular results of the 2006-07 Ashes series will have a negative crash on this newly obtain fame outside of Australia.

Ashes Summary of results and statistics

Chart of the matches won between the two sides.

A team must succeed a series to add the right to grasp the Ashes. A haggard series results in the previous holders retaining the Ashes. To date, a total of 64 Ashes series have been played, with Australia winning 31 and England 28. The exceptional five series were drawn, with Australia retaining the Ashes four times (1938, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1968) and England retains it once (1972). The win-loss ratio in Ashes Tests(up to and including the 2006/07 series) stands at 121 wins for Australia to 95 wins for England, with 84 draws.

Ashes series have usually been played over five Test matches, although there have been four match series (1938; 1975) and six match series (1970–71; 1974–75; 1978–79; 1981; 1985; 1989; 1993 and 1997). Australians have made 264 centuries in Ashes Tests, twenty-three of them over 200, while Englishmen have scored 212 centuries, of which ten have been scores over 200. On 41 occasions, person Australians have taken ten wickets in a match. Englishmen have performed that feat 38 times.

Ashes Cup - Gallery

Ashes - The Test Series

The Ashes is a Test cricket series, played between England and Australia. It is one of international cricket's most celebrated rivals and dates back to 1882. It is currently played biennially, alternately in England and Australia. However, since cricket is a summer game, the venues being in opposite hemispheres means the break between series alternates between 18 and 30 months. A series of "The Ashes" now comprises five Test matches, two innings per match, under the regular rules for international Test-match cricket. If a series is drawn then the country already holding the Ashes retains them.

The series is named after a satirical obituary published in an English newspaper, The Sporting Times, in 1882 after the match at The Oval in which Australia beat England on an English ground for the first time. The obituary stated that English cricket had died, and the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia. The English media then dubbed the next English tour to Australia (1882–83) as the quest to regain The Ashes.

During that tour in Australia, a small terracotta urn was presented as a gift to the England captain Ivo Bligh by a group of Melbourne women. The contents of the urn are reputed to be the ashes of an item of cricket equipment, possibly a bail, ball or stump. Some Aborigines hold that The Ashes are in fact those of King Cole, the cricketer who toured England in 1868. The Dowager Countess of Darnley, meanwhile, claimed recently that her mother-in-law (and Bligh's wife), Florence Morphy, said that they were the remains of a lady's veil.

The urn is erroneously believed, by some, to be the trophy of the Ashes series but it has never been formally adopted as such and Ivo Bligh always considered it to be a personal gift. Replicas of the urn are often held aloft by victorious teams as a symbol of their victory in an Ashes series, but the actual urn has never been presented or displayed as a trophy in this way. Whichever side holds the Ashes, the urn normally remains in the Marylebone Cricket Club Museum at Lord's since being presented to the MCC by Ivo Bligh's widow upon his death.

Since the 1998–99 Ashes series, a Waterford Crystal representation of the Ashes urn has been showed to the winners of an Ashes series as the official trophy of that series.

Australia presently holds The Ashes, after beating England 5–0 to regain them in 2006–07. The next Ashes series will be held in England in 2009. npower presently sponsor the Ashes series played in England.