Fans heading to Ashes Test facing problems due to rail strike

Fans travelling to the second and third days of the first Ashes Test are facing travel problems after a planned 48-hour strike by rail staff began on Wednesday night.

Almost 20,000 workers have taken action over potential job losses and issues regarding the maintenance of new stock.

That means services between London and Cardiff are being severely affected, with only two departing Paddington in enough time to reach the match venue on Thursday morning.

The same 0715 and 0815 trains will leave on Friday, with return journeys also significantly reduced on both days.

Services will run from Cardiff to Bristol Parkway and Paddington at 1755 and 1925 but there won’t be any direct routes to Bristol Temple Meads.

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Operators First Great Western have warned capacities are limited and the few trains which do run are expected to be extremely busy.

Seat reservations are also unlikely to be honoured and the ECB have urged anyone attending the match to consider making alternative arrangements.

The strike has been compounded by a 24-hour strike by London Underground staff, which is due to end at 6.30pm on Thursday evening.

England and Australia meet at Cardiff’s Swalec Stadium, with a capacity crowd of more than 15,000 expected there each day.

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