NEXT summer's Ashes Test between England and Australia proved to be the hottest ticket in town after seat sales at Trent Bridge surpassed £250,000 in the first week.

Following England's return to form with a historic win over the West Indies, cricket fans have been clamouring to see if Nasser Hussain's men can complete another home series win against the best in the world.

The rush to see the Trent Bridge Test comes almost 10 months ahead of the scheduled visit of the Australians on August 2 for the third of a five match summer Test series.

England will be going all out to avenge the defeat they suffered the last time the teams met to compete for the Ashes in Nottingham, in 1997, in a game that was to decide the destiny of the famous trophy.

Trent Bridge Sales and Marketing Manager Lisa Pursehouse said: "With such an exciting season of international cricket in store at Trent Bridge, initial demand for tickets has not surprisingly been exceptionally strong."

"Members of Notts CCC were provided with first option on tickets throughout the ground during the first week in October but since tickets have been made available to the general public demand has been very strong, in particular for the Friday and Saturday. We are already bracing ourselves for another rush next month when tickets in members' areas go on sale."

The Test will not be the only opportunity to see World Cup winners Australia at Trent Bridge next year as they will make an earlier appearance on June 19 in a One Day International against Pakistan.

Tickets are now available for the fascinating game - a repeat of the 1999 World Cup Final - which will be the first floodlit One Day International ever held at the ground.

Members wishing to buy their tickets for the Test in members' areas can do so through the post from November 6 and from the Ticket Office from November 20.

© CricInfo Ltd.