Images of Ashes victory celebrated on historic stamps released today.

The scenes of raw emotion and elation that followed the Australian Cricket Team’s series win over England in Perth have been captured on two “Australia Wins The 3 mobile Ashes 2006 – 07” stamps that are being issued by Australia Post today.

A 50 cent domestic stamp features Shane Warne jumping for joy and being embraced by Stuart Clark, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds and Brett Lee after capturing the decisive wicket of Monty Panesar on the Fifth Day of the Third Test.

The $1.85 international stamp features a close up image of several members of the Australian Team, including captain Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Matthew Hayden and Shane Warne celebrating with the replica Ashes Urn.

Australia Post has worked busily over the past few weeks to design the stamps and deliver them to Australia Post outlets around the country, where demand for the stamps is expected to be huge.

“To think that we are all being featured on a postage stamp as a result of this series victory is quite amazing, and very much an honour!” exclaimed Ricky Ponting, Captain of the Australian Cricket Team.

“We expect that the demand for these cricket stamps will be massive,” stated Australia Post Group Manager Philatelic, Mr Noel Leahy. “This summer has captured the imagination of the nation and Australia Post is delighted to be celebrating this series 5-0 victory in such a unique way so soon after the event.”

This stamp issue is a groundbreaking event for Australia Post and for Cricket Australia. It is the first time that images from a major sporting event outside of an Olympic Games or Commonwealth Games have been featured on a stamp so soon after the event.

The retirement of three of cricket’s greats Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer, along with the first 5-0 whitewash victory to Australia since the 1920-21 series is expected to have Australians shouting “Howzat!” all around the country.

The 3 mobile Ashes victory stamps will be available from CBD and selected Australia Post outlets around the country from 16 January. The range of affordable collectables include a minisheet, stamp pack and first day cover. Australians overseas will be able to purchase the stamps online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps.

For further information, please contact:

Natalie Moore
PR for Australia Post
M: 0402 219 664
P: 03 9696 2636
E: nmoore@melb.javelinaustralia.com.au

Stuart Osbourne
PR for Australia Post
P: (03) 9696 2636 / 0412 190 820
E: sosbourne@melb.javelinaustralia.com.au

Please note: high resolution images are available on request.

Australia Post Stamp Shop:

• Visit the Stamp Shop online for more information on Australia Post stamp issues, books, coins, collectables and souvenirs.