Children win in 2001 cricket initiatives

Christmas shoppers have already starting buying tickets for the mouth-watering prospect of England v Pakistan and Australia next summer. Friday and Saturday at the Oval Test and Friday at Trent Bridge are already sold out.

Whilst Test and One-Day International venues have experienced a recent flurry of buying, thanks to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) initiatives it is children who will benefit most. Smart parents are making the most of half price entry to Test Matches and One-Day Internationals for all Under-16s, with free entry for children on the final day of Test matches.

The under 16 discount will also apply to the two domestic Cup Finals at Lord's.

Under 16 cricket supporters can follow the NatWest One-Day International Series for £5 in Cardiff and Durham - providing a full day's entertainment watching Australia v Pakistan - for the cost of a 2-hour visit to the cinema.

Other initiatives include a school party scheme to apply to the Thursday and Sunday of each Test Match, with tickets costing £6 each and one complementary ticket per group of eight.

Terry Blake, ECB Commercial Director said "Following three successive series wins by England there is a genuine feeling that the summer series against Pakistan and Australia will continue the excitement of recent series. We are delighted to offer our young supporters the opportunity to see the games for half price and look forward to welcoming them and their friends and family to the return matches against Pakistan and the Ashes series. It will be a memorable summer."

Stuart Robertson, ECB Marketing Manager confirmed "there is a wide range of matches taking place over the summer with the NatWest Series of one day internationals including floodlit games between England, Pakistan and Australia. In addition, England will play two Test matches against Pakistan and the five Test match Ashes series. Tickets for the Lord's Tests go on sale in January and there is plenty of opportunity to buy tickets for other matches across the UK now".

If you are interested in finding out more about tickets for any of these matches, the ECB ticket hotline for all venues is 08705 338833.

Matches at Headingley welcome home Yorkshire heroes Darren Gough and Craig White whilst Michael Atherton and Andrew Flintoff look for home advantage at Old Trafford.

This summer also sees Australia Women's Cricket Team, current World Champions, challenge England women for their Ashes. There will be free entry for all to both the two Test matches and three One-Day Internationals.

For Further Information, please contact Andrea Wiggins, Media Relations Officer, ECB, 020 7432 1272, mobile: 07785 527090