Cricket Australia unveils complete Ashes fixtures; hoping for a summer of full crowds

The men's Ashes series will start in Brisbane on December 8.

Cricket Australia (CA) is hopeful of conducting the Ashes 2021 in front of full crowds but stressed that they would adhere to government guidelines when it comes to admitting travelling supporters.

The complete itinerary for England's men's and women's tours was released on Tuesday (May 19).

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The five-Test men's Ashes will kick-start in Brisbane on December 8 followed by a Day-Night fixture at the Adelaide Oval. Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the traditional Boxing Day Test while the fourth and fifth Tests will be held at Sydney Cricket Ground and Perth's Optus Stadium, respectively.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, non-essential travel to Australia from UK is currently not permitted.

"The lessons learned from successfully delivering a safe summer in 20-21 gives us confidence on what we're able to achieve, and we're all hoping for a summer of full crowds and an Ashes atmosphere we're all accustomed to," said Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's interim chief executive.

"In a perfect world, we would welcome England fans back to these shores for a summer of singing and sportsmanship. Of course, we will be guided by the Australian Government on all things related to international travel."

The schedule for England men's team warm-up games will be announced in due course.

Coming to the Women’s Ashes, it will start with a solitary Test in Canberra from January 27-30, followed by three T20Is and as many ODIs.

"2022 is going to be an amazing year for women's cricket," said England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison.

"With an Ashes, a World Cup in New Zealand and a home Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, this could be a landmark year for our team."

Schedule:

Men's Ashes 2021/22

Dec 8-12: 1st Test, Gabba, Brisbane

Dec 16-20: 2nd Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (day/night)

Dec 26-30: 3rd Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Jan 5-9: 4th Test, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Jan 14-18: 5th Test, Optus Stadium, Perth

Women's Ashes

Jan 27-30: Test, Manuka Oval, Canberra

Feb 4: 1st T20I, North Sydney Oval, Sydney

Feb 6: 2nd T20I, North Sydney Oval

Feb 10: 3rd T20I, Adelaide Oval

Feb 13: 1st ODI, Adelaide Oval

Feb 16: 2nd ODI, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Feb 19: 3rd ODI, Junction Oval, Melbourne

(With AFP inputs)