Cricket Australia hopeful of ‘full crowds’ for Ashes series

Cricket Australia said they were hopeful of staging an Ashes series in front of full crowds later this year, AFP reported.

But Cricket Australia stressed they would follow government advice when it came to admitting traveling supporters as the schedule for the England’s men’s and women’s tours was released on Tuesday.

The five-Test men’s Ashes will start in Brisbane on Dec. 8 before a day/night match in Adelaide, AFP reported.

The traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will then take place.

Sydney, however, will be the venue for the fourth Test, rather than the series finale as has been customary, with the fifth Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

Both those latter two matches are scheduled for January.

Australia lost 2-1 at home to India in a memorable four-Test series 2-1 played in front of reduced crowds because of the coronavirus pandemic between November 2020 and January this year.

Non-essential travel to Australia from the UK is not currently permitted as a result of COVID-19.

“The lessons learned from successfully delivering a safe summer in 20-21 gives us confidence on what we’re able to achieve, and we’re all hoping for a summer of full crowds and an Ashes atmosphere we’re all accustomed to,” said Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s interim chief executive.