Ashes ticket demand stumps Web sites

Web sites selling tickets to the Ashes Test cricket series starting later this year have struggled to cope with demand after allocations were released this morning.

The sites of the sport's governing body in Australia, Cricket Australia and third party ticket seller Ticketek, had to redirect cricket fans to pages notifying them of high demand and delays between 9am and 10am.

Cricket Australia said in a statement the level of interest in the series was "unprecedented".

"We knew Australians would be straining at the leash to purchase tickets today but even the experts have been surprised at the demand we're experiencing," said Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland.

"Agencies are telling us that this is unprecedented in the history of major event ticket sales in Australia.

"We understand that, due to the volume of interest, systems are sometimes slower than expected and this is naturally frustrating for our customers and fans. However, I would urge all members of the Australian Cricket Family to continue to be patient through this process as the day continues."

Normal service to the sites resumed around 10am this morning and Cricket Australia said tickets were still available for most match days.

England reclaimed the Ashes at home last year, rekindling interest in the long-running rivalry after a long period of domination by Australia.