Australia and England could shake-up 142-year tradition for Ashes

Players could wear their names and squad numbers on the back of their cricket whites during the upcoming Ashes series under a new set of rules.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering introducing the change during the upcoming Ashes series between Australia and England, which would be a 142-year first, according to The Guardian.

The ICC is yet to sign off on the change to the traditional cricket whites, but is considering the move to help old and new supporters at the ground.

Numbers and names on the back of the International One Day shirts were introduced in the 1990s.

County cricket in England introduced players name and number on cricket whites back in 2003.

But Test cricket has been played without any name or number on the back since its introduction in 1877.

England will seek to regain the urn during the five-match series that begins in Edgbaston on 1 August this year after Australia won the 2017-18 series.

World Cup hopes

Before the Ashes, Australia will look to defend their World Cup in England later this year.

Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc’s injuries mean the World Cup carrot is now almost within reach of more Australian pacemen, with Jhye Richardson in the box seat to earn a call-up at age 22.

Hazlewood, Starc and Pat Cummins were part of the triumphant 2015 World Cup squad and the widespread expectation was they would spearhead Australia’s defence in England later this year.

Hazlewood’s place in the squad is now in immense doubt because of the back injury he suffered in January, while Starc is yet to resume bowling after a false start in his recovery from a torn pectoral muscle.

It’s understood Jhye Richardson is tracking towards inclusion in the 15-man squad but nothing will be decided until selectors meet in early April.