Ashes to Ashes as Ashley delivers his verdict on England’s chances Down Under

Warwickshire director of cricket – and Ashes-winning bowler – Ashley Giles will be delivering his verdict on the current crop of England players and their prospects for retaining the famous urn during this winter’s Australian tour at an event in Birmingham.

The 2005 Ashes-winner will be joined by former England international and current Warwickshire first team coach, Jim Troughton at Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday (November 16) for a talk on the Ashes – past, present and future.

Giles, who hit the winning runs in the 2005 fourth test at Trent Bridge to put England ahead in that epic series, will speak about his experiences playing in the Ashes and discuss England’s chances in the forthcoming test series, which gets underway on November 23.

Troughton will also offer his take on playing for the national team, while posing the questions will be Sky Sports presenter Johnny Phillips, who will also offer his own insight into what life is like travelling to cover the Ashes as a journalist.

Troughton said: “With test cricket still being the pinnacle for England cricketers, the rivalry between England and Australia is paramount through The Ashes.

“There is no better success than a victory on Australian soil and I am sure this series will be no different in passion, effort, and desire for both teams to succeed.”

The talk forms part of BCU’s City Talks series, which sees public events held on the university campuses with guest speakers on a range of topics, issues and interests.

It follows the launch of a partnership between Birmingham City University and Warwickshire County Cricket Club this summer, which has seen students receive teaching from county cricketers, and players offered the use of the university’s new sports facilities and equipment.

Dr Natalie Walker, Head of Sport and Exercise at Birmingham City University, said: “The Ashes is one of the events in the sporting calendar that so many people look forward to.

“To have such celebrated cricketers speaking at the university ahead of what should be a really exciting clash is a fantastic opportunity for people to come along and get into the spirit in the run up to the opening test.”

Tickets cost £5 and details are available on the university’s website.

Ashley Giles kisses the Ashes urn in the changing room after the fifth and final test of the historic 2005 test match series between England and Australia (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

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