Northern View: Ashes battle goes beyond the immediate destination of the urn – Test cricket’s future is at stake

Football? Get outta here! It’s time for cricket. The sun is shining (tempting fate), the tickets have been snapped up, the grounds will be full and there’s a mission to fulfil.

No, not beating the Aussies (again, at home, over 20 years since they won a series here), that can look after itself. No, it’s just the little matter of saving Test cricket for future generations that rests on the shoulders of Ben Stokes’ England team.

Australia will, of course, play a significant part in that little quest – capturing the hearts and minds of the sporting public, not just in these isles but round the world. Or at least as far as the sound of leather on willow generates a warm glow and a rush to the TV or radio.

That there is barely time for tired players to head towards yet another ice bath – it’s not that long ago, of course, that off-duty cricketers would be reaching for an ice bucket during their dow

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