Cricket-Australia hoping for 'full crowds' for Ashes series

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Ashes 2019 - Fifth Test - England v Australia - Kia Oval, London, Britain - September 15, 2019 Australia's Tim Paine celebrates with the Ashes trophy after drawing the series to retain the Ashes Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Cricket Australia is hoping for packed stadiums for this year's Ashes series even if England's "Barmy Army" of travelling fans are unlikely to get into the country, interim chief executive nick Hockley said on Wednesday.

The schedule for Australia's 2021-22 home season was confirmed on Wednesday with a maiden test against Afghanistan in November starting proceedings before five Ashes contests over five weeks around the New Year.