06 June 2023 , 23:00
1141
0
England captains Ben Stokes and Heather Knight have called on the nation to get behind the bid for an Ashes double this summer.
For the first time ever, the men and women will go up against the Aussies at the same time, with the two series being played in tandem.
England’s men open their bid to regain the ancient urn when the first LV= Insurance Ashes Test starts at Edgbaston on Friday, June 16. And the women’s quest for glory starts with an historic five-day test at Trent Bridge in the Metro Bank Women’s Ashes competition.
The two England skippers united to have their images projected onto London’s iconic Tower Bridge ahead of the action. Stokes said: “The Ashes is one of the biggest and best rivalries in sport and it’s something that every cricketer wants to play in.
“It’s a great opportunity for the game to have the men’s Ashes and women’s Ashes side by side – and we’ve already seen from the ticket sales that fans want to be there to support the women’s team.
Ballance set to make Test return for Zimbabwe after Yorkshire racism scandal
“The growth of the women’s game over the past few years has been incredible and is testament to Heather and the team and their quality and success on the pitch.
The men and women will be playing in the Ashes at the same time this summer (Handout)HAVE YOUR SAY! Will England win both Ashes series this summer? Comment below.
“Some of my favourite Ashes memories have been in front of big and loud England crowds, they always get fully behind us and they’ll play a big part for both teams this summer. Hopefully we can continue entertaining them and putting on a show.”
Knight added: “This summer is going to be massive for women’s cricket, we really can’t wait. To be side by side with the men's team and to have more games in major venues is so exciting.
Ben Stokes will lead England against the Aussies this summer (Getty Images)“It’s massive for us to play in front of such big crowds and the record-breaking ticket sales will really give us an extra boost when we’re out there on the field during the women’s Ashes.
“I remember seeing the England men’s and England women’s teams on the double-decker bus in 2005 and it would be amazing if both teams could have a similar summer this year.”
For a full list of Ashes fixtures and to get your hands on the final few remaining tickets visit