The history of the series is unrivalled, and the fact that each side fights with every sinew for a little urn that they never actually get to hold is testament to the high regard in which all players look at this series.

Stuart MacGill, himself a part of many Australian Ashes campaigns, will host SBS's 2009 Ashes coverage alongside two other greats of the game - Greg Matthews and Damien Martyn. 

The on-air presentation team will provide expert analysis of the Test series and one-day internationals to be played in the UK from July 2009.

"Anyone that was at Lord's on day one in 2005 really saw the most amazing day's cricket," MacGill said of the last series broadcast on SBS.

"In 2009, it's vitally important for the England team that Andrew Strauss makes some runs. He's the leader, so if he's a little bit shaky in the changing rooms, it's all over for them."

MacGill knows all about the heat of Ashes battle, having played in two Ashes series and taking 39 Ashes wickets. Matthews, too, has three Ashes series under his belt, and a century to boot, while Martyn was involved in 2005 when SBS last broadcast the series in England – one of the greatest of all time.

"It's a dream to play in," he said. "In 2005, we had very high moments and very low moments. In 2009, Ricky Ponting is still the key. He's our best player and has to stand up and make the most runs."

SBS's free-to-air Ashes television broadcast will include morning updates, daily highlights and live coverage from 7:30pm (AEST) on SBS ONE for each of the five Tests, which will be available in HD.

SBS's Ashes website will also set new standards, with a full kitbag of online features, including live scores, the most comprehensive video highlights, a fantasy Ashes game where you can pick your own dream team, and exclusive blogs from all the SBS Ashes experts.

The 2009 Ashes Test Series commences on Wednesday 8 July from Sophia Gardens, Cardiff at 7:30pm (AEST) on SBS ONE.

The full website is coming soon at sbs.com.au/ashes