9 May 2013

England to play in "Alice" during Ashes tour

5:39 am on 9 May 2013

The England cricketers face a venue with a difference on their Ashes tour of Australia later this year.

Cricket Australia has included on England's itinerary a two-day game against a Chairman's XI in Alice Springs at the end of November, between the first and second tests.

The match was originally scheduled for Canberra but Manuka Oval will be undergoing a turf upgrade.

Cricket Australia has defended the decision to move the game to one of the hottest parts of the country and it's hoped many of England's supporters will use the time to visit the area.

Average temperatures in Alice Springs at that time of year hover around 35 degrees.