Nothing to declare but little urn

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The Sydney Morning Herald reports how the precious Ashes urn is set to make only its second visit to Australia since it was handed to the Hon Ivo Bligh, the England captain, by a group of ladies in 1882.

The case containing them will have its own separate business class seat on the flight from London. It will not leave the wrist of Mr Chadwick, the MCC museum curator, who will be the only person to handle the urn during its four-month stay in Australia. Arrangements are being made to clear it through customs, including paperwork covering materials, value and provenance, a 24 hour acclimatisation period at the museum and a detailed examination. Every scratch, stain and mark is noted and photographed.

The urn’s only previous visit was for Australia’s bicentenary celebrations in 1988. It was due to return in 2002 but x-rays detected cracks in the ancient terracotta pot and cricket’s most symbolic trophy had to undergo major renovation.

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