Australia's Ashes Win Sparks Record Crowd Expectations at MCG

A record crowd is likely to descend upon the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the upcoming Ashes Test, with Cricket Victoria chief executive Tony Dodemaide predicting a crowd of over 90,000. The NSW Test victory has sparked renewed interest in the series, with ticket sales indicating a plus-80,000 crowd. The MCG's record attendance for a Test match is 90,800, which was set in 1961.

Key Takeaways:

• Cricket Victoria chief executive Tony Dodemaide expects a record crowd of over 90,000 at the MCG for the upcoming Ashes Test.
• Ticket sales indicate a plus-80,000 crowd, with interest expected to rise further in the next week.
• The MCG's record attendance for a Test match is 90,800, set in 1961.
• The recent NSW Test victory has sparked renewed interest in the series.
• Nathan Hauritz, Australia's one spinner of undoubted quality, has been in good form and is likely to come into contention for the last two matches.
• Hauritz's batting form has been particularly impressive, hitting his second straight Sheffield Shield ton.
• The Ashes trend has been one of either thumping victories or draws, with Lord's 2009 being the closest non-draw.
• The MCG pitch is expected to be bouncier and faster than the one prepared for England's recent match against Victoria.

Statistics:

• The MCG's record attendance for a Test match is 90,800 (set in 1961).
• Ticket sales indicate a plus-80,000 crowd for the upcoming Ashes Test.
• Nathan Hauritz has hit two consecutive Sheffield Shield tons.
• Australia's Ashes wins in the past have resulted in either thumping victories or draws, with Lord's 2009 being the closest non-draw.

Sources:

• Hockey Victoria chief executive Tony Dodemaide (exact quote).
• Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) record attendance (1961).
• Cricket statistics and trends (exact data).
• Nathan Hauritz batting statistics (exact data).