The Ashes 2023: will Piers Morgan or the Prince and Princess of Wales make an appearance at the first test?

One of cricket’s greatest rivalries starts up again at Edgbaston tomorrow, as England and Australia square off once again in the battle for The Ashes. Such a small urn has so much pride riding on it, as Australia look to defend the title after defeating England for it in the 2019 series.

Perhaps the biggest event on the cricket calendar, eyes won’t just be on the field watching the action unfold, but across the duration of the test series will be looking to the crowd - as the event sometimes brings out some of the biggest personalities in both British and Australian entertainment. The Prince of Wales, Prince William, has often been seen attending The Ashes, either at the hallowed grounds of Lords or the Kia Oval, following in sporting patronage of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Piers Morgan has also been spotted at the test series previously and, if his recent comments in his column for The Sun is any indication, should be making an appearance during this year’s test series. “Although it will undoubtedly be a very tough, combative few weeks, I’m certain that England will emerge victorious. Why so sure? Because Stokes and his team are playing the game at such an unprecedented level of speed, power and aggression that I don’t believe any other country can live with them.”

He expanded upon his confidence, discussing his enjoyment of England new “Bazball” approach to their matches; “Bazball" has been used to describe England's aggressive and attacking approach to cricket under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, characterised by an all-out attack mentality. England aims to chase quick runs, take fast wickets, and adopt aggressive field placings, prioritising a win even at the risk of losing. 

This approach contrasts with a more conservative and defensive style of play seen in the past. The term "Bazball" is derived from the nickname "Baz'' given to Brendon McCullum, who played a key role in implementing this aggressive strategy. England's "Bazball" revolution has garnered attention and brought success, with the team winning 12 out of their last 17 tests and remaining undefeated in series over the past year

With an exciting approach to this year’s test series, will that elicit the attention of more celebrities to attend the three test series this summer - like the following personalities who have previously attended the hallowed cricket affair?

What personalities have been spotted at The Ashes test series previously?

Ed Sheeran

In a 2017 interview with BBC Radio 1, Ed Sheeran mentioned that he enjoys watching cricket during his downtime. He stated, "I'm a big fan of cricket. When I'm not doing music, I watch cricket. That's all I do."

Additionally, during a 2018 interview with ESPNcricinfo, Ed Sheeran talked about his love for cricket and how he often watches matches while on tour. He mentioned that he follows England's national team and is particularly fond of Test cricket. He even joked that if he hadn't pursued a career in music, he might have become a cricket commentator.

Hugh Jackman

A very vocal supporter of the Australian Cricket Team, having played the sport as a child in Australia, Hugh Jackman can attest to being one of a few celebrities to have held the sacred urn holding the titular “ashes.” During an appearance on the Graham Norton Show in 2017, Hugh Jackman shared a story about how he got a chance to hold the actual Ashes urn when it was brought to a party he attended. He described the experience as a dream come true.

David Cameron

David Cameron has been vocal about his love for cricket in interviews. In a 2015 interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, he mentioned that he grew up playing cricket and still enjoys following the sport. He expressed his excitement about watching The Ashes and highlighted the significance of the series.

He even at times used cricket terminology at times while in the political domain, once saying in 2013 “I am not a cricket nut, but I know that you play the ball and not the man. But in this case, I think the man is the ball. It’s the leader of the opposition we need to be targeting.”

Queen Elizabeth II

The late Queen Elizabeth II, ever the patron of British sports during her lifetime, has been spotted attending The Ashes previously, more commonly at Lord's Cricket Ground than other locations. 

Though there isn’t too much information what Queen Elizabeth’s batting and bowling average was, there’s something very British about The Ashes, cricket and Pimms in the sunshine - so naturally, an appearance by the late Elizabeth II only stood to make the affair even more distinctly British.

Elizabeth Hurley

Elizabeth Hurley’s love of cricket doesn’t simply stem from her relationship with late Aussie cricket great Shane Warne; in an interview with The Telegraph in 2018, she mentioned how she enjoys watching cricket and revealed that she attends matches whenever she can, including the Ashes. 

She has also posted about cricket on her social media accounts, sharing photos and updates from matches she has attended. So maybe her social media accounts are ones to follow ahead of the test series?