The Ashes
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Everything you need to know about the 2010 Series.
The Ashes - 5 tests, 22 players, a small urn for the winner, and nothing for the loser. It is far more than just a sporting rivalry.
The Ashes sees England pitted against Australia in a battle for victory and national pride. It is a unique spectacle, full of skill, tactics, controversy (at times), determination and brilliance.
Last time out Down Under (2006-07 Series), things didn’t go well. England suffered a humiliating 5-0 whitewash.
This time, things are different and England go into this series full of optimism. Their Test side is considered to be “better” than Australia. And, after a recent defeat by India in Bangalore, Ricky Ponting's team slipped to fifth on the world rankings, making those claims official.
Of course, past performance is no guarantee of future success. And rankings, to most, mean almost nothing.
Yet, Strauss and Co. are likely to pretty excited. This is the first time that England have been able to look down on the Aussies.
Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the 2010 Ashes series, the host cities, and Australia’s cricket heritage.
The action begins in Brisbane on 25 November before the series heads to Adelaide (December 3-7), Perth (December 16-20), Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 3-7).
An estimated 42,000 England fans travelled to Australia in 2006, but according to Cricket Australia, the economic downturn has affected sales this year. "The economic situation has changed and the British pound is now far weaker in comparison to the Australian dollar,” said Peter Young, Cricket Australia’s public affairs general manager.
In Australia, it’s just not summer without cricket and the Aussies won’t be bowled over.
England hold the Ashes after winning the last year's series 2-1 at home.
Can they defend their crown?
How to book
Tickets for the Ashes became available to England fans in July and have all but sold out. Around 80 percent of tickets for the 2010-11 series were kept aside for Australian Cricket Family members, who must be Australian residents. It is important to note that December and January are two of the most popular months for travel to Australia out of the UK, but this series isn’t expected to replicate the pandemonium of 2006-07. Some packages are still available:
Gullivers Sports Travel offers Official Vodafone Ashes Series supporter tours and packages with guaranteed match tickets. Prices start from £4385 per person for the 5th Test in Sydney on the fully escorted ‘Emu Tour’ (29th December 2010 – 10th January 2011). The price includes return international flights with Malaysia Airlines, ten nights B&B accommodation at the 5-Star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Official Gold Category match tickets for the 5th Test, welcome drinks reception, New Year’s Eve party, access to the Gullivers Sports Travel Cricket Forum and the services of a dedicated Gullivers Sports Travel Tour Manager. Tailor-made packages are also available.
For more information call Gullivers Sports Travel on 01684 293175 or visit www.gulliverstravel.co.uk.
Sport Abroad offers Official Vodafone Ashes Series supporter tours and packages including Official Test Match Tickets. Prices start from £4695 per person for the ‘Silver – 4th & 5th Tests (22nd December 2010 – 8th January 2011) including return international flights with Qantas Airways, seven nights accommodation at the 4-Star Novotel on Collins Melbourne Hotel, internal flight Melbourne to Sydney, eight nights B&B accommodation at the 4-Star Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, airport transfers, Official Silver 4th and 5th Test match tickets, and the services of a Sport Abroad tour manager. Tailor-made options are also available.
For more information call Sport Abroad on 08456 803 086 or visit www.sportabroad.co.uk.
Ashes City guides
A quick guide to the five host cities: Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
Brisbane
Brisbane is a fast-paced metropolis and it has all the trappings of a big city. Queensland's capital, it is Australia’s third largest city and a gateway to Surfers Paradise, Noosa and the Gold Coast. Brisbane is much more than you might expect and is an affluent, party-going city, which is a big hit with us Brits.
Getting to and from the Brisbane Cricket Ground (Gabba):
More information:
Adelaide
Adelaide is in many ways the ideal Australian city; it has a Mediterranean climate and offers easy access to the beach. It is probably the perfect place to enjoy a summer of Test Cricket (and is home to the Bradman Collection Museum, ideal for cricket lovers). Adelaide is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city and features streets filled with lively cafes and restaurants.
Getting to the Adelaide Oval:
More information:
Perth
Perth is defined by beaches, sunshine and blue skies; what more do you need? Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to watch cricket. Situated on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is a modern, lively, multicultural city, much like a small-scale Sydney. Over 80 percent of WA's population lives in Perth, and, although it's one of the most isolated cities in the world, visitors can enjoy an active nightlife, plenty of attractions and museums, a healthy cafe culture and a superb live music scene.
Getting to the WACA cricket ground:
See www.waca.com.au
More information:
Melbourne
Melbourne is probably Australia’s “sportiest” city – it is the birthplace of Australian Rules Football, has hosted an Olympic Games and is home of the Melbourne Cup, a horse race that “stops a nation”. For us cricket fans, Melbourne is the place for another “nation-stopper”, the traditional Boxing Day Test. Melbourne is more than sport, though, and the city oozes culture. Its cosmopolitan style is reminiscent of a European city. Melbourne has plenty to offer.
Getting to the MCG:
See www.mcg.org.au
More information:
Sydney
Sydney is Australia's biggest city and most famous city, and it is also its most geographically and culturally diverse. Forget the ocker tourism slogans like "Throw another shrimp on the barbie" or "Where the bloody hell are you?" Sydney is a city that is well and truly grown up. From the grand Sydney Harbour to the buzzing beaches, Australia's jewel in the crown is a fantastic city to visit.
Getting to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG):
See www.sydneycricketground.com.au
More information
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