Ashes Tour dates announced along with international program

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland today released the official program for the 2006-07 international cricket season, including dates for next year’s much-anticipated Ashes Test Series.

Australia will host two international teams next summer, England and New Zealand, as cricket fans around the country share in a smorgasbord of Test, one-day international, Twenty20 and tour matches against these traditional rivals.

And in a special bonus for cricket fans, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is making plans for the precious original Ashes urn to travel to Australia for the first time since 1988.

Cricket fans will also be able to watch every home match ball live on 3 mobile, sponsors of the Australian cricket team.

England’s tour of Australia begins with the annual Prime Minister’s XI fixture in Canberra on 10 November, includes five Test matches in the 3 mobile Test Series for the ‘Ashes’, a Twenty20 international in Sydney and three warm-up matches.

New Zealand joins England as the third team in the 12-game VB Series which this year includes two matches in each state plus a best-of-three finals series in Melbourne, Sydney and, if required, a third final in Brisbane.

Mr Sutherland said the build-up to the 2006-07 international season was gathering extraordinary pace.

“Cricket Australia and the state associations have been inundated with requests for the dates of the 2006-07 program and that is a strong reflection on how much excitement and anticipation surrounds next summer’s program of international cricket,” he said.

“The level of interest in the entire program is unbelievable but in particular, the Ashes Test series is shaping as the biggest sporting event in Australia since the 2000 Olympics – that’s the scale we’re working on.

“It’s not just Australian fans who are registering their interest either. We are expecting a large contingent of international visitors here next summer. This series is capturing global attention.

“To cater for the interest and popularity, we want to make sure that all Australians have the opportunity to be a part of the excitement. Even though our stadiums have relatively large capacities, we would be encouraging people to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”

Ticket details announced Tuesday 10 January 2006

Mr Sutherland said Cricket Australia would release further details on tickets next month.

“Ordinarily we don’t release the program dates for the next summer of cricket until six months out from the start of the season.

“But we were conscious of the high interest in this tour and the number of people trying to make travel arrangements so we moved to get the dates finalised and announced as quickly as possible.

“In lieu of that, we still have a number of details to work through with respect to tickets and special offers and we will announce more information on tickets on 10 January 2006.”

Lilac Hill fixture confirmed

Mr Sutherland also confirmed that the annual Chairman’s XI fixture at Lilac Hill in Western Australia would take place this year, in a revised format.

“We know how popular the Lilac Hill fixture is and Cricket Australia was always very keen for the match to go ahead.

“The programming for next year is very tight because all ICC Full Members have playing commitments either side of the tour with the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Cricket World Cup.

“As such, we have worked to accommodate a fixture at Lilac Hill and that match will feature a Cricket Australia Chairman’s XI against an Invitational XI.”

Ashes urn on show in Australia

Cricket fans will have a rare opportunity to see the original Ashes urn next summer, with Cricket Australia working closely with the MCC in London to exhibit the precious urn in Australia during the tour.

After its birth in Australia, the Ashes urn has only ever returned to Australia on one occasion - in 1988 as part of the country’s bicentennial celebrations.

“We are extremely grateful for the MCC’s enthusiasm and commitment to bringing the Ashes urn to Australia next year,” said Mr Sutherland.

“The MCC has completed restoration work over the past few years to ensure the precious urn is safe to travel, and it will be a fantastic experience for Australian fans to be able to see this iconic piece of sporting history.”

Further details on the Ashes urn exhibition will be announced in due course.

Chappell-Hadlee Trophy to be confirmed

Mr Sutherland advised that Cricket Australia was still finalising the dates for next year’s Chappell-Hadlee Trophy with New Zealand Cricket.

“We are still working with New Zealand Cricket to confirm the dates of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. We are hoping to schedule the series early in 2007, in between the end of the VB Series and the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.”

The three-match Chappell-Hadlee Trophy will be played in New Zealand in 2006-07.

The 2006-07 international season program is:

Note: Cricket Australia reserves the right in its absolute discretion to change or amend the official 2006-07 program without notice.