Ticking off the bucket list with Venatour

Venatour ambassador Matthew Hoggard explains why next winter's Ashes series is not one to be missed

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Ashes tours Down Under are truly unmissable occasions. Whether England record a famous series victory, or are on the wrong end of a 5-0 whitewash, trips to Australia are packed with ‘I was there’ moments. 

And who better to experience the action with than someone who has been at the very centre of many of these unforgettable moments? Matthew Hoggard will be joining Venatour’s Ashes party and as a two-time Ashes tourist he knows exactly what is waiting for travelling fans. 

“Australia is a brilliant country to go to with lovely beaches, restaurants, people and loads of places to see,” the swing bowler tells The Cricketer. 

“I saw some photos the other day that were taken on our 2002/03 tour. It was me, Vaughny [Michael Vaughan] and Tres [Marcus Trescothick]. We had our girlfriends (now wives) over at the time and we were walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We looked so young! That was a good memory. 

“You always get to mingle with the fans too – it’s nice to see them face-to-face rather than up in the stands.” 

And with Venatour, travelling fans can get the full experience with the security of the Cheltenham-based company’s extensive experience. 

^{The ex-England seamer will be joining Venatour's Ashes party}

“Travellers are in safe hands with Venatour,” Hoggard explains. “They’ve been taking sports fans around the world for a long time and they incorporate plenty of fun in their tours. They provide the personal service making sure everybody is looked after and having fun. 

“That’s a big factor for me. You go on a cricket tour to have a lot of fun.” 

International and domestic flights are all included in Venatour’s packages, as well as all airport and matchday transfers. 

When posed with the question asking which is Hoggard’s favourite Australian Ashes venue, the Yorkshire-man is genuinely stumped. 

“They’ve all got their own merits. Brisbane sets the scene and there is the anticipation at the start of the series. There’s normally a result at the Gabba, Australia are invincible there! You also have the Gold Coast and Noosa which are lovely parts of the world. 

“Adelaide is a beautiful ground, I love it there. I love the feeling in Adelaide, it feels more relaxed than the other big cities.” 

Hoggard would be forgiven for not having the fondest memories of Perth on a cricket level, considering England have seldom enjoyed success out West. But even if it is not in England’s favour, the Ashes create some unforgettable moments, many of which can only be fully appreciated in the ground, as Hoggard explains. 

“In 2006/07, Australia were setting a target for England to chase. They had a healthy lead already and Adam Gilchrist was at the crease. He sent a message to the dressing room asking Ricky Ponting if he wanted him to just bat or to get on with it so they could declare. 

“Ponting said to just bat as there was lots of time left in the game, but the message Gilchrist heard was to get on with it. He then started slapping it around and scored the second fastest Test century at the time.” 

^{Hoggard will host Hoggy's Taverns and Grills on the tour, showcasing his new passion for food}

Only those in the ground could fully admire the brutality of Gilchrist’s innings and the size of the sixes he was hitting. Steve Harmison, and his 6ft 6in frame on the boundary, could do nothing but watch the ball fly out of Perth, let alone the Waca. 

Moving back east, the Boxing Day Test is another occasion that those who are lucky to attend will never forget. 

“What an experience the Boxing Day Test is. It’s one of the biggest crowds I’ve played in front of, but unfortunately I had to field right in front of the Australian fans! You take the rough with the smooth. 

“The New Year’s Day Test in Sydney gives you the cosmopolitan feel. I played in Steve Waugh’s last Test match in 2002/03 when he scored a hundred which was memorable. We did manage to win so we went unbeaten in Tests against Australia in 2003!” 

Venatour will ensure their travellers experience each city with Hoggy’s Taverns and Grills, where the bowler will host a social event in each location allowing everyone to unwind, relax and socialise. 

Q&As with former Test cricketers and journalists will take fans to the heart of the action. 

Australia is one of the great touring destinations and Venatour will ensure it is an unforgettable trip. 

“Who doesn’t look forward to going to Australia? I think both teams will be competitive and it won’t be one-sided. It should be a great series on the pitch and a fun tour off of it. 

“Going to the Ashes has got to be on the bucket list.”

For more information about Venatour’s Ashes packages, visit: www.venatour.co.uk or call 01242 650 192

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