Die-hard cricket fans watch the Ashes with the Ashes overnight at the Home of Cricket. Ashes winner Matthew Hoggard took part in Chance to Shine fundraiser with a difference.

A group of 50 cricket enthusiasts watched the first match of the Brisbane Ashes Test in the company of the famous Ashes Urn at a very special ‘sleepover’ in the MCC Museum at Lord’s, the home of cricket, overnight on Wednesday 22 November.

‘Yorkshire Tea’s Night at the Museum’, in aid of the Chance to Shine got underway with a tour of the famous Lord’s dressing rooms, before Ashes winner Matthew Hoggard took part in an intimate Q&A session led by former England bowler Ed Giddins.

Guests, who had travelled from as far as Carlisle, then got to witness the opening exchanges between Australia and England in the historic surroundings of one of the world's oldest sports museums. Bottomless cups of Yorkshire Tea helped supporters stay awake until the end of play, although some did sneak away for short power naps in the lobby’s temporary tents.

Laura Burton, Senior Brand Manager at Yorkshire Tea said: “We weren’t going to let the time difference between the UK and Australia stop us from having a proper celebration of The Ashes! Cheering England on overnight from the home of cricket was a unique experience, thank you to everyone who came along to share it with us and support the incredible work of Chance to Shine.”

Matthew Hoggard, former England cricketer and Ashes winner in 2005, said “We’ve had a great night here watching the Ashes with some proper cricket-mad fans! Lord’s is a very special place and this has been a special evening. Fortunately, we had plenty of Yorkshire Tea about to power us through the night and I’m sure our guests have had a night to remember. Definitely something very different and a lot of fun to be a part of.”