Ashes security hots up

Cricket Australia are planning the largest security operation in the nation’s history to ensure the upcoming Ashes series is incident-free off the field.

Following reports that a terrorist plot was planned during the 2005 series in England, Cricket Australia have begun putting in place a comprehensive security plan covering the five host cities – Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

“We haven't yet finalised the review of venue security arrangements for the forthcoming Ashes series, but it is fair to say there will be greater scrutiny than at any previous series we've witnessed,” spokesman Peter Young said.

“It's an unfortunate fact of life, but with each passing year security grows tighter.

It's tighter now than it was five years ago and in 10 years it will be greater still.”

Cricket Australia will be working closely with all the venues and state police forces and have conceded some security measures will have a direct impact on fans.

"The principle discussions are taking place between Cricket Australia, the states' cricket associations, the individual venues and their management," Young said.

"State police are also involved as part of all that."