ACB and MCC to hold talk to confirm time for Ashes urn to visit Australia

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) will hold talks with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) over the coming months to confirm a time for the Ashes urn to visit this country.

The discussions will centre upon finding an appropriate occasion for the urn to be in Australia for a short-term exhibition tour.

ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said: "Both the ACB and the MCC are keen to give the Australian public the opportunity to see the Ashes urn and both bodies have been working towards that end since mid-2002.

"At the moment the urn is in the process of being restored and, recognizing it is a fragile item, we are keen to ensure we get the detail of any visit it makes to this country absolutely right.

"Additionally, given its specific relevance to Australia ­ England contests, we are also keen to ensure it comes to Australia at an appropriate time.

"These are details that are yet to be discussed but the ACB and the MCC will be addressing them over the coming months.

"I am extremely grateful to the MCC for their cooperation in this matter and look forward to the Ashes urn coming to Australia in the future."

The urn, a keepsake owned by the MCC, is currently undergoing restoration work in the United Kingdom. Its previous visit to Australia was in 1988 as part of the Bicentennial celebrations. It has always been privately owned and, while never contested as a prize as such, has attained legendary status as a "virtual" trophy.

Australia will be presented with a replica crystal urn at the conclusion of the fifth Orange Test match in Sydney in recognition of its series win over England.

The replica crystal urn, produced by the MCC, was first played for in the 1998-99 Australia ­ England series.