Weather woes likely to deplete Barmy Army at MCG
ENGLAND supporters fear their numbers will be depleted for the potentially decisive fourth Ashes Test as snow chaos prevents fans from flying out to Australia.
A record crowd of more than 90,000 is anticipated for the match in Melbourne, which begins on Boxing Day and could see England retain the urn with victory.
But the Barmy Army, England’s biggest fan group, says it is concerned that the ongoing disruption to services out of Heathrow could reduce the tourists’ support at the MCG (right).
“It’s a fear if some fans don’t make it out,” a spokesperson for the Barmy Army told Morning Wire “We want everyone who has booked and paid to be able to get out here. It’s really sad if fans are trying to get out here and can’t because of the weather. It seems really unfair for those who have been planning this all year.”
The fourth and fifth Tests are traditionally the most popular because they fall over the Christmas holidays and form the climax of the series. “We know lots of fans have recently booked up for Melbourne,” the spokesperson added.
“I know some people are travelling out in the next few days so I’m sure some will face a backlog. I’ve certainly heard of people having trouble getting home – some have been stuck in Singapore.”
The Barmy Army sold more than 1,000 packages for the series and its representatives are set to meet with their partners, the Cricket Australia Travel Office, today in a bid to resolve any transportation issues.