University News Last updated 03 November 2017
Ashes hero Ashley Giles will be among the guest speakers at a special event this month (16 November) previewing this year’s Ashes and looking back at the most memorable moments in the historic Test series.
The 2005 Ashes-winner will be joined by former England international and current Warwickshire first team coach, Jim Troughton at Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in a talk on Ashes, past, present and future to be hosted by Sky Sports’ Johnny Phillips.
The talk will take place on Thursday 16 November from 7.15pm to 9.00pm just days before England open their campaign to retain the Ashes crown in Brisbane and bid to take home the urn for the fifth time in the last six match-ups.
Giles, who hit the winning runs in the 2005 fourth test at Trent Bridge to put England ahead, will speak about his experiences playing in the Ashes and discuss England’s chances in the forthcoming ties.
Jim Troughton will also give his take on playing for the national team, while Johnny Phillips will ask the duo questions and offer insight into what life is like travelling to cover the Ashes as a journalist. 
Jim Troughton said: “With Test Cricket still being the pinnacle for England Cricketers, the rivalry between England and Australia is paramount through The Ashes.
“There is no better success than a victory on Australian soil and I am sure this series will be no different in passion, effort, and desire for both teams to succeed.”
The talk forms part of Birmingham City University’s City Talks series which sees public events held on the institution’s campuses with guest speakers on a range of topics, issues and interests.
It follows the launch of a partnership between Birmingham City University and Warwickshire County Cricket Club this summer which has seen students receive teaching from world class cricketers, and players offered the use of the University’s state-of-the-art new facilities and equipment.
Dr Natalie Walker, Head of Sport and Exercise at Birmingham City University, said: “The Ashes is one of the events in the sporting calendar that so many people look forward to.
“To have such celebrated cricketers speaking at the University ahead of what should be a really exciting clash is a fantastic opportunity for people to come along and get into the spirit in the run up to the opening Test.”