Branson8217;s cheeky Ashes message for Aussies

British billionaire Richard Branson has used the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to encourage the England cricket team to win back cricket8217;s Ashes from Australia. The irrepressible Virgin Group chief beamed an image of himself onto part of the world famous bridge on Thursday with a tongue-in-cheek message to Australian captain Ricky Ponting as the first Test got under way in Cardiff.

The image,featuring the English tycoon8217;s face daubed with a St George8217;s cross,included the message: 8220;Good luck Ricky. You8217;ll need it. Dicky x8221;. Branson has pledged to donate 1,000 pounds 1,600 dollars to charity for every English batsman who scores 50 runs during the five-Test Ashes series throughout July and August. 8220;I love Australia and I know the Aussies are always up for a spot of light-hearted banter,especially when it comes to the Ashes,8221; Branson said in a statement. 8220;Every Australian I know wants to stuff us in the upcoming series and I wanted to do my bit to encourage the England team in the hope that they can win the Ashes this time around.8221; Australia lost the Ashes urn in the 2005 series in England,but regained it 5-0 in the home 2006-07 series.