England will begin their defence of the Ashes won in the summer of 2009 at Brisbane on 25 November 2010. Further tests will follow at Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney with the final day of the series set for 7 January 2011.
Ashes Series Test Dates 2010 / 11
First Test: Brisbane 25 - 29 November 2010
Second Test:: Adelaide 3 - 7 December 2010
Third Test: Perth 16 - 20 December 2010
Fourth Test: Melbourne 26 - 30 December 2010
Fifth Test: : Sydney 3 - 7 January 2011
Australian Test Grounds for Ashes Series 2010/11
Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Quennsland
Built: 1895 / Capacity: 40,000
A suburb of Brisbane, Woolloongabba, is home to the Brisbane Cricket Ground and is known throughout the cricket world as The Gabba. Once famous for its grassy banks, extensive work has taken place in recent years to produce a modern stadium with outstanding facilities. The playing surface is true with good bounce and proved a happy hunting ground for Shane Warne in the past.
Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide, South Australia
Built: 1873 / Capacity: 31,000
With St Peter's Cathedral in the background and nestled among the gardens and trees of North Adelaide, the Adelaide Oval is regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing test grounds in world cricket. A unique characteristic of the ground is its authentic oval shape, resulting in sixes square of the wicket proving far more common than those struck straight. An excellent batting strip is usually guaranteed.
W.A.C.A, East Perth, Western Australia
Built: 1893 / Capacity: 24,500
The WACA stands for Western Australia Cricket Association and held its first test match in the 1970-71 Ashes series. The heat in Perth can be intimidating but the breeze that glides in from the Swan River each afternoon tempers the temperature. This relief is known locally as the Fremantle Doctor. Historically known as a fast, hard, bouncy surface, recent seasons has seen a more temperate pitch produced.
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jolimont, Victoria
Built: 1854 / Capacity: 100,000
The massive MCG traditionally hosts the Boxing Day test when attendances in six figures are common. It is seen as Australia's leading sporting venue and hosts many of the county's biggest cricket and Australian Rules Football games. Although pitches can be bland, it has seen many tense and exciting contests.
Sydney Cricket Ground, Moore Park, New South Wales
Built: 1848 / Capacity: 44,000
An intimate, atmospheric venue, the Sydney Cricket Ground is among the most famous in the world. The infamous hill has gone but it still retains a unique character. Home for the final test of the Ashes series, it remains conducive to spin and is almost guaranteed to provide a tense thrilling finale.
2010 Ashes Dates
Australia will be desperate to regain the Ashes following their defeat in 2009 and the 2010 / 11 series will see them start as favourites. England will know they have arrived as one of test crickets premier sides if they can retain the precious Ashes urn on Australian soil.
Readers may find the related article of interest, England Cricket Tour of South Africa 2009 - 10.
References
BBC Sport
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