Wisden warns of 'routine' Ashes
The 150th edition says the frequency of tests in the series may devalue the rivalry
The 150th edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack published yesterday warned that the Ashes would be "stretched to their limit" as a result of numerous upcoming series between England and Australia.
Cricket's oldest rivals - who played the first cricket test in 1877 - meet 10 times in the now five-day format from July 2013, with a series in England, to January 2014, by which time they will be on Australian soil.
Traditionally, Ashes series have been staged twice every four years in England, with series in Australia taking place every 18 months or so within that period.
Most recently, England won the 2009 Ashes on home soil before retaining them in Australia in 2010-11.
The change in the schedule has come about as a result of England's desire not to face the rigours of an Ashes tour immediately before a World Cup, as is currently the case.
England have never won the World Cup, the global game's major 50-overs tournament, usually staged every four years.
But in his notes to this year's edition, Wisden editor Lawrence Booth warned: "Over the next three years, one of the most durable encounters in all sport will be stretched to its limit.