IT’S not over the line yet, but the English test cricket team and the Barmy Army may be coming to Townsville for an Ashes tour match next summer.

Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill has confirmed that council has thrown its hat in the ring and is currently in discussions with Cricket Australia.

If the city does secure a tour match between England and an Australian side it will happen late 2017 to early 2018, at Townsville’s Tony Ireland Stadium.

“Nothing has been confirmed yet but we are optimistic about our chances,” Cr Hill said.

“Having the England side and the Barmy Army in the city as part of the Ashes tour would be fantastic for the city and sports fans throughout the north — they are a huge hit wherever they go and we’d love to have them here.

“As well as a great sporting event, it would also be a big economic boost for the city and it would also be another big vote of confidence in the Tony Ireland Stadium ground which has International Cricket Council accreditation and is regarded as one of the best playing grounds in regional Australia.”

Cr Hill said the bid for the England tour match was part of the city’s broader strategy with Townsville Enterprise Limited to establish Townsville as an events city.

“Townsville’s is building a position as a sporting hub in regional Australia with Commonwealth Games basketball being played here, and scores on the board with international cricket, our first Sheffield Shield match with the Bulls, and our much loved Cowboys in the NRL, Townsville 400 V8 Supercars and Townsville Fire in the WNBL,” she said.