Ashes loss provides domestic season incentive

An unprecedented level of public interest and scrutiny will help Australia regain the Ashes in 2006-07, according to James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia chief executive. Sutherland, who launched the Pura and ING Cup competitions in Brisbane today, said the domestic tournaments had to remain a strong breeding ground and provide players with one of the toughest apprenticeships in sport.

"Australian cricket is certainly under the spotlight," Sutherland said. "Never before have we faced the level of public interest and scrutiny that we experience today. The recent Ashes series created unprecedented levels of interest and we are committed to winning back the coveted urn in 2006-07. We are also looking to create history by winning three World Cups back-to-back."

When the ING Cup begins on Friday it will mirror the international one-day playing conditions that include super subs and power plays. It will also include the free hit following a no-ball, the Fastest Fifty competition and the Hit the Sign incentive. The first game of the season will be played between Queensland and New South Wales at the Gabba.