The Ashes ? Live on Radio Australia

Radio Australia today reaffirmed a commitment to cricket fans in East Asia and the Pacific, announcing it will broadcast live coverage of the upcoming Ashes cricket series.

Together with the ICC Development Program (the development arm of world cricket's governing body) in the East Asia - Pacific region, the Ashes series will be broadcast live for the first time.

The live coverage will be available on Radio Australia's 24-hour local FM frequencies and via shortwave. Commencing in July with the final of the One-day Tri-series, the coverage provides cricket followers across East Asia and the Pacific their first live broadcast of cricket's most prestigious Test series.

In the past five years active participation in cricket within ICC East Asia - Pacific regional countries (these include PNG, Japan, Indonesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Philippines and South Korea) has increased from almost 6,000 to more than 27,000 people, making it one of the fastest growing sports in the region.

ICC East Asia - Pacific Development Manager Tim Anderson stated, "The upcoming Ashes series between Australia and England is one of the most eagerly anticipated international cricket series for some years, and it is terrific that the growing number of cricket followers in the EAP region will have the opportunity to listen to ball by ball coverage through Radio Australia's extensive network."

Brendon Telfer, Executive Producer of Radio Australia's English service said, "There is no doubt that this type of exposure will assist cricket's continued development within the region, and Radio Australia is happy to forge this relationship with the ICC Development Program, and ensure more live coverage of cricket is made available in the future."