CA want six Ashes Tests in 2011

The large crowds built on the incredible interest in the oldest rivalry in cricket generated by the 2005 series which England won at home. “Cricket Australia is keen in principal to have six Test matches the next time we have an Ashes series in four years,” CA public affairs manager Peter Young said. “If we do have six it gives us the ability to schedule an Ashes Test match in Hobart,” he said. “That’s our ambition… we want to be able to take Test cricket to as many people in Australia as possible. Hobart’s Bellerive Oval, the home gound of Australia captain Ricky Ponting, is the only major domestic cricket venue in Australia that does not host an Ashes Test.

The Ashes, which dates back to 1882, is traditionally a five-Test series although four and six Tests have been played, the most recently in 1997. Although Young conceded the busy international schedule made extending the series difficult, he was hopeful of an agreement with the ECB.