Public screenings add to Ashes atmosphere

Live sites were a hit during the 2005 Ashes © Getty Images Enlarge

Australian fans who missed out on Ashes tickets will be able to watch the Tests on big screens in the capital cities hosting the matches. Cricket Australia announced the "live site" venues today as it confirmed each game would also have a "Ladies Love Cricket Day".

"Cricket HQ" will be set up in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to offer free entertainment precincts, which will include broadcasting of the Tests, interactive activities and roving entertainers. Similar sites have been set up in Australia during the football and rugby union World Cups and they were popular in England during last year's Ashes.

Brisbane's South Bank will be the first to be tested when the series starts on November 23. Perth and Adelaide also plan to join the program while Tasmanians will enter the party for the fourth and fifth games.

A ladies' event was introduced for the second day of the Boxing Day Test last season and the concept will be expanded this summer. December 27 will remain the designated date for the women at the MCG, but a Cricket Australia spokesman said day three would be used at the other grounds to "celebrate the female fans".

Live sites
South Bank, Brisbane, November 23-27
Adelaide, details to be confirmed
Lake and James Streets, Perth, December 14-18
Birrarung Marr, Melbourne, December 26-30
Darling Harbour, Sydney, January 2-6
Parliament House lawns, Hobart, December 28-January 6