Fame? You've got to urn it...

ONE of the world's greatest sporting events begins tomorrow - The Ashes.

- ANDY LINES Chief Reporter

They are only contested every two years, sparking cricket fever among England and Australia fans.

The first Test in Perth starts at 2.20am tonight and by the time the final Test in Sydney ends, one side will have won The Ashes.

Australia are the current holders and if the series is drawn they will retain the Ashes.

THE BARMY ARMY

The 35,000 cricket fans heading Down Under during this Ashes series will make up the largest Barmy Army ever.

The first test in Perth is expected to attract a massive turnout of England fans, bellowing their favourite anthems.

Chris Millard, of the Barmy Army fans' group, said the total number of England fans is expected to exceed 40,000 when expat supporters are taken into account.

He said: "Everything reflects that it's going to be the biggest away Ashes of all time."

Australia was still closed to international visitors due to the Covid pandemic when the 2021-22 series was played. Mr Millard said: "We haven't been there for eight years because we ignore the last tour. The game is nothing without fans, as we've seen previously. And the fact fans are back just adds to the spectacle."

The last time they were allowed to travel, in 2017-18, around 30,000 supporters followed.

Dom Dickens, 35, is going to three days of the Melbourne Test, then sightseeing before going to the concluding Sydney Test.