Barmy Army trumpeter scales iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

England's next Ashes tour of Australia is not due to get underway for another 362 days.

But the Barmy Army, the most famous supporters group in cricket, are on a mission to wind up their Australian rivals well in advance.

Simon Finch, the Barmy Army's trumpeter, was seen belting out classic tunes such as The Great Escape on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as he declared: 'We are one year out of the Ashes and I'm here Down Under to let the Aussies know that we are coming.'

England are set to begin their battle to regain the Ashes urn in Perth from 21 to 25 November followed by Tests in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia retained the Ashes in England last summer after a series filled with drama finished in a 2-2 draw. 

England have not won an Ashes tour in Australia since Andrew Strauss captained them them to a 3-1 victory in 2010-11.

Mr Finch, who has been winding up Aussies by tooting his trumpet and shouting from the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, said: 'When I think of the 'Ashes' in Australia, it's gotta be the incredible atmosphere in the grounds that really stands out. 

'For the past four years, I've been so fortunate to have travelled to cricket matches around the world, but the 'Ashes'? 

'That's the big one, the absolute pinnacle! I can't wait to soak up that historic rivalry in person.

'Let's be honest, a bit of good-natured banter between the Brits and Aussies is a huge part of the fun, so we're cranking it up early and getting things started by testing out the Barmy Army anthems at some of Australia's iconic landmarks.'

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After scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Mr Finch went on to play some of his most loved tunes across the country including at the Adelaide Oval - the venue where the Barmy Army was formed 30 years ago.

He also took his trumped to Brisbane's Story Bridge and stopped off for a pint at the nearby Howard Smith Wharves nearby.

Mr Finch has been the Barmy Army's trumpeter since 2019, having first fallen in love with the game during the 1989 Ashes.

He has also showed off his trumpeting skills in the famous wedding scene in Love Actually and in Kanye West's hit All of the Lights.

Mr Finch was invited to Australia by Tourism Australia to mark one year until the much-anticipated Ashes tour.

Andrew Boxall, Tourism Australia's Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe said: 'The camaraderie between the UK and Australia really is seen at its best on the sporting field.

'Making major sporting events like The Ashes a big opportunity for us at Tourism Australia. 'As loyal English fans head to Australia to cheer on their country to show them the best of Australia off the field as well.

'Next year we also have the Lions Rugby Tour heading to Australia, with further major sporting events almost every year until the Brisbane Olympic in 2032. 

'We hope British travellers don't stay in their crease and take the opportunity to head Down Under to experience The Ashes and more and to see what Australia has to offer as a holiday destination.'