With just 100 days left until the Investec Ashes Series returns to Cardiff, the hallowed Ashes Urn and the Investec Series Trophy have been touring key sites in Wales, including the Senedd, to help generate a buzz ahead of the first ball in July.
Cardiff will host one of this summer’s most hotly-anticipated sporting events at the SWALEC Stadium, from 8th-12th July and Hugh Morris, Glamorgan Chief Executive, went with the prestigious trophies to visit the First Minister who has been an advocate for the Ashes’ return to Wales.
First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: “The Ashes is arguably the greatest cricketing event in the world. It is a spectacle for cricket fans around the world, a series of Tests which are steeped in history and built on a cricketing rivalry that goes back as far as 1882.
“With 100 days to go, I’m sure that both Australia and England are gearing up for another monumental battle and it’s a great honour for Wales to host the Ashes for the second time.”
Hugh Morris, Glamorgan chief executive said: “The Investec Ashes Series is one of the major highlights of the sporting year, with huge crowds and superb action expected.
“The iconic scenes of Monty Panesar and Jimmy Anderson’s last wicket stand in Cardiff was one of the greatest memories of the 2009 Ashes and was vital in the eventual outcome of the Series.”
With tickets for days 1 to 4 largely sold out, Glamorgan has released a number of additional tickets for Day 5 with a full refund policy for July 12th now in place.
Following recent England disappointments against Australia and the long-standing rivalry between the two countries England will be keener than ever to make amends, the game promises to be one to remember.
England will be looking to re-create the unforgettable heroics of 2009, which saw them win the series 2-1, after securing a draw in Cardiff with one wicket to spare on the last day at the SWALEC Stadium, largely thanks to the battling efforts of Collingwood, Anderson and Panesar after Australia seemed set to secure the victory.
For anyone who wants to see history being made, there are still a limited number of tickets available to the first Ashes match from 8th-12th July.
Tickets for the fifth day are currently available for £25 (which is fully refundable if no cricket is played) and there are also a number hospitality packages for anyone who wants to see the first four days’ play in style.