Leeds attracts world’s biggest cricket personalities to eve of Ashes’ test event
An ‘Ashes’ Icons’ dinner has been organised to take place at the Royal Armouries on Wednesday August 21 – the eve of the third Ashes Test at Headingley Stadium – with some of the biggest names in Ashes history coming together for a night that will appeal to every cricket fan.
The line-up features England legends, Michael Vaughan, Mike Atherton and Darren Gough; as well as the coach who masterminded the 2017-18 4-0 Ashes win for Australia, Darren Lehmann. The event will be hosted by respected cricket broadcaster, Mark Nicholas.
The event is being organised by Richard Blakey, who played for Yorkshire from 1985 to 2003, and represented England in both Test and One Day Internationals.
With only a few tables remaining, cricket fans are being advised to book tickets now by e-mailing richard@richardblakeyleisure.co.uk or call 07768 558102.
Speaking about the dinner, Richard said: “We are hugely excited to be hosting this dinner on the eve of the third Ashes Test. It will be a great precursor to the Test match at the Emerald Headingley Stadium and I am very proud and privileged to have received the support from such cricketing icons.”
He added: “None of the panel is known for being shy in expressing their opinion, and I’m pretty sure Mark will have a lively time trying to maintain order – especially if the questions turn to the subject of sandpaper!”
It will be the Australians’ first visit to Headingley for an Ashes Test Match since 2009, which they won, while going down in a 3-1 series’ defeat to Andrew Strauss’s side.
Richard’s Ashes Icons include:
Michael Vaughan assured his place in cricket history by famously captaining England to victory in the Iconic 2005 Ashes series. Now a hugely successful cricket pundit on Channel 5 and BBC’s Test Match Special. He also writes in the Telegraph, his views often stirring some very interesting discussion. Michael also appeared on BBCs Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.
Darren Gough spearheaded England’s bowling attack through the 90s and famously took an Ashes hat trick at the SCG. He has appeared on several reality TV shows and famously won Strictly Come Dancing. He is now the host of Talk Sport’s flagship ‘Drive Time’ show alongside the controversial Adrian Durham.
Mike Atherton played in 115 Test Matches for England, opening the batting in an era of high quality, world class fast bowlers. He captained England in 54 of those games. Athers is now one of Sky Sports leading presenters and is a hugely respected cricket writer for the Times.
Darren “Boofa” Lehmann is a very popular character, especially in Yorkshire, where he spent 8 years as Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s most popular and successful overseas player. A serial winner – he has won the World Cup for Australia as a player and a coach. He has also masterminded champion seasons in the IPL (Deccan Chargers), the Big Bash (Brisbane Heat) and the Sheffield Shield (Queensland).
Mark Nicholas is the face of Channel 5’s cricket coverage, where he works alongside Yorkshire duo, Michael Vaughan and Geoff Boycott. His ‘polished’ slick style has also helped him secure contracts presenting cricket on Australian TV with Channel 9.
Tables at the Ashes Icons dinner are available from £1,450 for ten guests.
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