Branson's cheeky Ashes message for Aussies

Sydney:

British billionaire Richard Branson has used the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to encourage the England cricket team to win back cricket's Ashes from Australia.

The irrepressible Virgin Group chief beamed an image of himself onto part of the world famous bridge yesterday with a tongue-in-cheek message to Australian captain Ricky Ponting as the first Test got under way in Cardiff.

The image, featuring the English tycoon's face daubed with a St George's cross, included the message: "Good luck Ricky. You'll need it. Dicky x".

Branson has pledged to donate 1,000 pounds (1,600 dollars) to charity for every English batsman who scores 50 runs during the five-Test Ashes series throughout July and August.

"I love Australia and I know the Aussies are always up for a spot of light-hearted banter, especially when it comes to the Ashes," Branson said in a statement.

"Every Australian I know wants to stuff us in the upcoming series and I wanted to do my bit to encourage the England team in the hope that they can win the Ashes this time around."

Australia lost the Ashes urn in the 2005 series in England, but regained it 5-0 in the home 2006-07 series.