Ashes trophy voted most treasured prize

The Ashes are officially Australia’s most treasured national team sporting prize, according to Newspoll Market Research.

A survey carried out by Newspoll on behalf of Cricket Australia found that a whopping 63 per cent of Australians consider the famous urn to be our most valued national team sporting trophy.

Coming in second was the soccer World Cup with eight per cent of the vote, while cricket’s World Cup came in third with seven per cent.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the results, particularly the gap between first and second, showed just how important The Ashes are to the Australian public.

“When it comes to Australian team sporting prizes, it’s clear that the public consider The Ashes to be the pinnacle and we expect the whole country will be gripped by Ashes fever when the next Series begins later this year,” said Mr Sutherland.

In February, Cricket Australia launched its Australian Cricket Family initiative that rewards loyal cricket fans with priority access to international cricket match tickets, including the forthcoming Ashes Series.

Mr Sutherland said public interest in this initiative has also been overwhelming.

“More than 90,000 people have already registered to be part of the Australian Cricket Family and we’re expecting thousands more in the lead up 22 May when registration closes.

“Being a member of the Australian Cricket Family gives you the best chance of being there to support the team in its quest to regain The Ashes,” added Mr Sutherland.

Fans can register for the Australian Cricket Family at cricket.com.au. Registration closes on 22 May 2006.

Tickets for the 2006-07 international cricket season, including the 3 mobile Ashes Series, go on sale to the Australian Cricket Family* on 1 June.

Tickets will then go on sale to the general public and overseas customers on 19 June.

*Priority access ticket offer is only available to members of the Australian Cricket Family who are Australian residents.