Cardiff says G'Dai to Ashes fans

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Fans of both sides were confident of a win as they arrived in Cardiff

By Nick Parry
BBC News

A solitary breakfast sausage smouldered on a barbecue surrounded by around 40 cans of Fosters.

The Australians were in town.

And with a few hours to go before the first Ashes Test to be played in Wales got underway, those who had camped the night next to Sophia Gardens were predicting victory.

Speaking to anyone dressed in Australian gold the theme seemed to be the same - "We always win in Cardiff at rugby and we'll do the same at cricket."

The decision to host the opening match in the city - the first ever test played in Wales - has not been without controversy.

Some Australian fans camped the night next to Sophia Gardens

But for Terry, one of those drinking an "Australian coffee" while waiting for that sausage to cook, the location did not seem to matter.

"I don't know why it's in Cardiff," he said, "But the atmosphere has been absolutely amazing."

"Cardiff is a wicked place to hold anything - people love it down here watching sport."

With the Millennium Stadium one of the most visible buildings in the city centre, Cardiff is no stranger to hosting major sporting events.

And although Sophia Gardens is a little more towards the suburbs most of the 16,000 spectators seemed to have found their way there long before Mitchell Johnson bowled the opening ball.

Guiding them were signs that read "G'Dai o Gymru" (Wales says G'Dai) and "Old South Wales welcomes New South Wales."

There's none of this fuss about it being in Cardiff in Australia, it's not an issue Jeff Powell, with his father Eifion

The attempt to create a unique Welsh atmosphere seemed to go down well.

Wayne Smart, one of a group from Melbourne, said: "We arrived yesterday and there's a lot of interest in the cricket.

"Cardiff is a wonderful city. We think maybe the Welsh might be supporting the Australians as much as they might be supporting the English so I'm looking forward to a good day."

It's not often the flag of St George receives a warm welcome at sporting events in the Welsh capital but Australians hoping for a little home support were likely to be disappointed.

Even the Western Mail - Wales' national morning newspaper - had the words Come on England! in bold black print on the front of Wednesday's edition.

After all Llanelli born fast bowler Simon Jones - who was busily signing autographs for fans outside the ground - played a pivotal part in England's 2005 Ashes triumph.

England fans Gerry and Mick, who had heeded the traffic warnings and left Thame in Oxfordshire at 05.30 BST only to find themselves at the ground two hours later, were happy with the welcome so far.

I'm not getting at Cardiff one bit but it's a small stadium Murray Hill

"It's great - it's something new to try," said Mick.

"I think it's a bit of unknown to be honest - time will tell. Speak to us in three days time."

But not everyone was happy to be making the journey across the Severn Bridge, especially as Cardiff had secured a test fixture at the expense of more traditional and established venues.

Murray Hill from Manchester said: "It's a joke. It was very successful at Old Trafford.

"I'm not getting at Cardiff one bit but it's a small stadium.

"I do think we have a chance today - it's a turning pitch. But get rid of one of the London ones - not Lords."

But Welsh cricket fans were more than happy to be finally watching test cricket on home soil.

Eifion Powell of Pembroke said: "I have been coming to Cardiff watching rugby and cricket for about 30 years and I think it's superb.

"It's right in the centre of the city."

His son, Jeff, an ex-pat returning home for a month from Australia, added: "There's none of this fuss about it being in Cardiff in Australia, it's not an issue."

First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who met both teams before the start of play, said: "Anyone who understands the tangled history of the United Kingdom will appreciate the delicious irony of this England home game played in Cardiff, capital of Wales," he said.