Australia plans the return of fans for Ashes later this year

Cricket Australia are optimistic of staging a high-voltage Ashes series in the presence of the full crowds later this year. Nick Hockley, CA interim chief executive, is hoping for a sell-out crowd for the Ashes. 

“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," Hockley said in a media release. 

Given that the Australian borders are closed to all non-essential travel because of the pandemic, the board is unlikely to allow the England fans to travel for the much-awaited series.

“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." he further added. 

Cricket Australia, on Tuesday, announced the itinerary for the Ashes series. The hosts will kickstart their Ashes title defence at the Gabba from December 8. After the first Test, the actions shifts to Adekaide for the Pink Ball Test. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will host the Boxing Day and New Year’s Test respectively. The series concludes at Perth’s Optus Stadium. 

Ashes 2021/22 - Fixtures 

• December 8-12: 1st Test, Gabba
• December 16-20: 2nd Test, Adelaide Oval
• December 26-30: 3rd Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground
• January 5-9: 4th Test, Sydney Cricket Ground
• January 14-18: 5th Test, Optus Stadium, Perth

[Cricket Australia input]