Ashes fans told to act fast

Competition for tickets will be fierce, according to James Sutherland © Getty Images

Australia fans have been urged to buy their tickets early or run the risk of missing out on this winter’s Ashes.

Those who have registered with the Australian Cricket Family can purchase tickets from June 1, but Cricket Australia expects most first-day seats to be sold within a matter of hours.

More than 100,000 people have registered to be part of the Australian Cricket Family since the inititative was launched in February, and fans have until May 22 to sign up for the priority ticket offer on www.cricket.com.au.

James Sutherland, chief executive of Cricket Australia, said: “With interest at such an incredible level, competition for tickets will be fierce.

“Registering for the Australian Cricket Family, while not a guarantee because of the demand, puts you in the queue and gives you the best chance of being there.

“All remaining tickets will then be made available when tickets go on sale to the general public on June 19.”

Ticket prices for the five-Test series, which gets under way in November, start at $25 for adults.

“The average price for a family of four to attend day one of a Test match is under $70, which we believe is exceptional value,” added Sutherland.

“Pricing and ticketing for the 2006-08 international season aims to cater for everyone.”

England play five Tests against Australia, the first starting in Brisbane on November 23.

The other Tests are in Adelaide (Dec 1-5), Perth (Dec 14-18), Melbourne (Dec 26-30) and Sydney (Jan 2-6).

A Twenty20 international and a Tri-Series featuring New Zealand follows the Tests.