THE preparations for the first Ashes Test reach a notable landmark today with exactly six months to go before the famous cricket series between England and Australia starts in Cardiff.

Glamorgan’s preparations behind the scenes are gearing up ready for the major event to arrive in Wales, as they aim to replicate the success of the first Test to be held at venue back in 2009.

Now, as then, England versus Australia, is one of the world’s most renowned sporting rivalries and in a year without major football or Olympic competitions being contested, the clash in Cardiff stands-out on the summer sporting calendar.

“The Investec Ashes Series will be one of the major highlights of the sporting year, with huge crowds and superb action on the field. The iconic scenes of Monty Panesar and Jimmy Anderson's last wicket stand was one of the great memories of that Series and vital in the eventual outcome of the 2009 Ashes,” said Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris.

“We have had a lot of internal meetings and are working to a comprehensive operational plan as well as engaging with our stakeholders, including Wales Government and Cardiff Council, in preparation for welcoming England, Australia and 75,000 supporters to the city.

“We are in a good position and have an excellent team here. We are aware there is a lot of work to be done and the next six months are going to go pretty quickly, but I believe we are well positioned and everyone is really excited and looking forward to a fantastic occasion.”

Whilst the limited ticket availability reflects the continued popularity of Ashes Test cricket and full houses are expected for the entire Test, a variety of hospitality packages are available and Glamorgan CCC are recommending customers secure their place soon to ensure the best possible experience of this memorable event for themselves, family and customers by enjoying the event at the SWALEC Stadium in style.

Glamorgan will host 24 days of international cricket over the next 5 years, a 25% increase over the previous five years and 2015 is a bumper year for cricket in Wales.

“With nine international cricket grounds in England and Wales, we’re pleased to have been awarded two Ashes Test matches in the last three tours and we’re pleased with the allocation of fixtures announced before Christmas, it’s a great opportunity for us to host two ICC events in 2017 and 2019” added Hugh.

Following the Ashes Test in July, England Women face their Australian counterparts in the final showdown of their own Ashes Series in Cardiff on August Bank Holiday Monday, which forms part of a double-header of International T20 cricket, with the men’s game played on the same day and same wicket immediately afterwards.

T20 cricket continues to thrive, with the Big Bash T20 League down under currently attracting large crowds and some of the world’s best players on show, but the big hitting cricket stars from Australia and England will only come face-to-face once in shortest format of the game this year, and it will be in Cardiff.

For Ashes hospitality enquiries or to check ticket availability for the Test and IT20 fixtures please visit www.glamorgancricket.com.