England captain Strauss led his side to an Ashes victory this year

England's scheduled defence of their Ashes crown in 2010-2011 has been revealed - with the New Year Test in Sydney delayed by a day. Traditionally, it would begin on 2 January, but this time the players will get an extra day off to recover from the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The series will feature the usual five matches, starting at the Gabba in Brisbane on 25 November. As in 2006-07, Adelaide and Perth will host the second and third Tests. England will play three warm-up games against first-class opponents before the start of the series and one in between the second and third Tests. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. When England were thrashed 5-0 last time, they had only one first-class game before the first Test, although they did also play less competitive warm-up games against a President's XI and New South Wales. England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive David Collier said: "The recent Ashes Test series between the two sides was the sporting highlight of the summer and has really whetted the appetite of all cricket supporters as England seek to retain the Ashes next winter." 606: DEBATE Notice how the Australians share the venues fairly unlike the London bias when Tests are played in the UK

FedupwithlabourSteve Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland added: "I know we have only just finished an Ashes series in England but I also know that the Aussie players - and Australian cricket in general - are already thinking about the Ashes series down under which starts in just over 12 months. "Australia has a very good Ashes record at home and I'm hopeful that will continue next summer and we can bring the urn back to Australia." 2010-11 Ashes Test series dates: First Test: 25-29 November, 2010 (Brisbane) Second Test: 3-7 December, 2010 (Adelaide) Third Test: 16-20 December, 2010 (Perth) Fourth Test: 26-30 December, 2010 (Melbourne) Fifth Test: 3-7 January, 2011 (Sydney)



Bookmark with: Delicious

Digg

reddit

Facebook

StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version