Cricket is Australia's national sport, and a passion for many around the world. "Test cricket" - the highest level international matches - are played between (in alphabetical order!) Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, Zimbabwe (currently suspended), and perhaps in the near future, Kenya. Notice a pattern there? How come Canada got away? Climate maybe? Still, Canada has a national team, as does the Netherlands. There are various cricket competitions in the US, notably in California, where ex-pats form the backbone.

 "The Ashes" is the name given to any test series played between England and Australia. This occurs every 2 years, alternating between the countries. To find out more about why it's called "The Ashes''.

 Australia lost the last ''Cricket Ashes Tour'' in England, and is out to avenge their defeat! Australia won the first match in Brisbane. The second starts in Adelaide on Friday. The series finishes in Sydney the first week in January, with matches in Perth and Melbourne in between.

So if you are going to watch The Ashes 2009 and looking for some cheap accomodation than check out the Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG Hotels. These hotel are really cheap and provide the best facilities.