Forged in Fire doco to debut in Ashes

A three-part documentary series exploring the legends, and the characters behind them titled Forged in Fire: Cricket's Greatest Rivalry will air this summer during the 2017-18 Magellan Ashes series.

As the Australia and England teams led by Steve Smith and Joe Root meet on field, the key protagonists from the past 50 years of sport’s greatest rivalry will chronicle the key battles and back-stories of Ashes contests, exploring what drives both nations’ quest to capture cricket’s most prized possession.

To be broadcast nationally on the Nine Network this summer, Forged in Fire was produced and directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Peter Dickson.

“After many years of documentary filmmaking, I am thrilled to have the chance to be involved in telling the story of one of the most iconic rivalries in sport – the Ashes," Dickson said.

"Having played the game for over 30 years (the last ball I faced was a throat-high bouncer from Damien Fleming), I have had a lifelong love affair with the game and I am determined to make a film that will not only appeal to cricket lovers but lovers of sport in general."

Cricket Australia’s Executive GM, Broadcasting, Digital Media & Commercial, Ben Amarfio said the documentary series would give cricket fans an insight into past Ashes series from the players who took part and add to the sense of occasion during this summer's contest.

“The Ashes is an amazing sporting rivalry thanks to the incredible history that the series has and the colourful characters and stories that have been a part of the contests between Australia and England over the decades," Amarfio said.

"Some of the stories and quotes from former players in this film are genuinely provocative. The brashness of some of their on-field feats are matched by the brutal honesty and boldness of some of their statements.

“We are excited to be working with Peter on this film as it takes viewers behind the scenes of some of the most famous moments in Ashes history and into the minds of some of the biggest names in the game, all of which we feel will add another layer of excitement to the 2017-18 Ashes Series, the latest chapter in this great sporting rivalry.

Nine Network’s Head of Cricket, Brent Williams, said the series celebrates the big moments in Ashes history and would add to the excitement of the summer of cricket.

“The Ashes is so much more than just a sporting event, it is arguably the greatest of all rivalries. This amazing series chronicles the moments and memories that have made this fierce cricketing contest so special over so many years. We are proud to have Forged in Fire as part of what promises to be our biggest summer of cricket ever.”

Further details, including confirmed dates the three episodes will air, will be confirmed in the lead up to the Gabba Test.

Forged in Fire: Cricket's Greatest Rivalry will screen on the Nine Network in Australia during the upcoming Ashes series. It will also screen in selected worldwide territories, including: on SportsMax in the Caribbean, SuperSport in South Africa, Kwesé Sports in Sub-Saharan Africa (exc SA), Willow in the United States, and Sony Pictures Networks in India and the subcontinent. It will also be screened on Qantas flights.

2017-18 International Fixtures

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21