Hottest Ashes for years is almost here

ONE of the mostly hotly anticipated Ashes series in recent times is close at hand, with England looking to reclaim the umn for the first time since 2015.

- Rory Dollard

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at when, where and how you can keep up with the action from the comfort of your own home.

What is the schedule?

England start off with a three-day warm-up against the England Lions in the Perth suburb of Lilac Hill. That game takes place from November 13-15, before the real thing gets under way soon after at the Optus Stadium.

It will be the ground’s first Ashes Test ahead of the historic WACA. Over the next two months the battle moves from city to city, taking in the classic Boxing Day fixture in Melbourne and a New Year Test in Sydney.

Ist Test: Nov 21-25, Optus Stadium (Perth)

2nd Test: Dec 4-8, The Gabba (Brisbane)

3rd Test: Dec 17-21, Adelaide Oval (Adelaide)

4th Test: Dec 26-30, MCG (Melbourne)