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
-
EnglandMarcus Trescothick says Andrew Flintoff ‘sprinkling gold-dust’ on England team
Flintoff was initially enlisted for four ODIs against New Zealand but has hung around for the Ireland series.
-
EnglandAxed Jason Roy urged to remain positive with World Cup role still a possibility
The big-hitting opener was replaced by Harry Brook in England’s squad for the World Cup.
-
EnglandECB unable to commit to ICEC report’s equal pay targets for men and women
The ICEC report said women were treated as “second class citizens” in cricket.
-
EnglandECB set to publish response to damning report on discrimination in cricket
Richard Thompson, chair of the ECB, unreservedly apologised when the ICEC’s findings were published in June.
-
EnglandSam Hain reveals sleepless night before impressive England debut
The Warwickshire batter scored 89 to set up a win over Ireland in the second ODI.
-
EnglandWill Jacks pleased to take his chance to impress in England success
The batter made a dazzling 94 off 88 balls in the one-day international win over Ireland at Trent Bridge.
-
EnglandSam Hain and Will Jacks star as new-look England beat Ireland at Trent Bridge
Teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed collected four for 54 as Ireland were all out for 286.
-
EnglandWill Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland
Jacks made 94 off 88 balls while Hain hit 89 in the second one-day international.
-
County CricketSurrey close on title as rivals Essex beaten by Liam Dawson-inspired Hampshire
The reigning champions are 20 points clear of second-placed Essex heading into the final round of fixtures.
-
EnglandBen Duckett at peace with World Cup omission and looking forward to India series
The batter has switched focus to his next duel.