Quote of the day

"Brett lee was bowling at 95 mph, but I didn't feel any fear. I thought, 'You are going to have to kill me to get me out because I'm not going anywhere.' I wanted the Ashes that much." Ashley Giles, 2005.

Random Ashes fact

The first-ever Test between England and Australia took place at the MCG on March 15, 16, 17 and 19, 1877. Australia won by 45 runs, but England fought back to square the two-Test series.

Magic numbers

There are 24 more days to go before The Ashes series starts in Brisbane. 24 is the number of wickets Andrew Flintoff took in 2005. That haul meant he was England's most prolific bowler in the series, although Simon Jones claimed 18 victims in four Tests. Of course Shane Warne took 40 wickets and ended up on the losing side.