Ashes returns to venue of 'iconic scenes'

Glamorgan Cricket Chief Executive Hugh Morris recollected fond memories of Sophia Gardens' inaugural Ashes Test in 2009, after the England and Wales Cricket Board's confirmation of a second on Monday.
Glamorgan Cricket Chief Executive Hugh Morris recollected fond memories of Sophia Gardens' inaugural Ashes Test in 2009, after the England and Wales Cricket Board's confirmation of a second on Monday.
The Wales venue, which witnessed tail-enders James Anderson and Monty Panesar force an entertaining draw four years ago, has been granted the opening fixture for 2014's five-Test series against Australia.
"We are delighted to be hosting the opening Ashes Test, which promises to be an exciting and hugely anticipated contest, as one the world' s most renowned sporting rivalries resumes in Cardiff," said Morris.
"As in 2009, the Ashes series will be one of the major highlights of the sporting year, with huge crowds and superb action on the field. The iconic scenes of Panesar and Anderson's last-wicket stand was one of the great memories of that series – and vital in the eventual outcome of the 2009 Ashes."
The second, third, fourth and fifth Tests will be played at Lord's, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge and The Oval respectively. Chester-le-Street in Durham, The Rose Bowl in Southampton and Old Trafford in Manchester have been overlooked.
The Australians are the current holders of the coveted title on the back of a five-nil series triumph earlier this year – on the back of fast bowler Mitchell Johnson's Player of the Series performance.
Latest
-
News
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
Jos Buttler will return home after the first Test as England seek to keep players fresh, while Ollie Pope will return when fit.
-
News
World Test Championship: Which countries are in the running for Lord’s final
The ICC World Test Championship final is set to be held at Lord’s in June, completing a two-year cycle of the inaugural tournament.
-
News
Klaasen named skipper of Proteas T20 squad for Pakistan series
South Africa named a much-changed squad for the T20I series that follows the two Tests in Pakistan.
-
News
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
The star all-rounder and key pace bowler were both rested from the current tour of Sri Lanka.
-
News
James Anderson replaces Stuart Broad as England shuffle seam attack in Sri Lanka
The most prolific seamer in history will swap places with Broad for the second Test.
-
News
Joe Root backs Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley to adjust to Asian conditions
Sibley and Crawley contributed four single-figure scores in the opening Test for a total of 25 runs.
-
News
England fast bowler Olly Stone ready to resume Test ambitions in Sri Lanka
The Warwickshire quick is ready to prove himself again after 18 hard months since his debut.
-
News
Angelo Mathews: Sri Lanka batsmen ‘can learn a lot’ from Joe Root
Mathews hailed Root’s ‘magnificent innings’ in the first Test.
-
News
Dawid Malan happy to stay put after Trent Rockets’ show of faith
The England batsman has earned an improved deal in The Hundred.
-
News
England coach Chris Silverwood grateful for gift of the Gabba
India’s famous win over Australia grabbed the England squad’s attention in Galle.