Along with inclement weather and the regular loss of players to work commitments, the Ashes exodus is another personal-commitment hardship clubs will have to endure.

Although as far as West Tamworth captain Dave Mudaliar is concerned, players should put club ahead of country.

Mudaliar said the first Test in Brisbane – starting Thursday and featuring the Bendemeer Bullet, Josh Hazlewood – would not affect the make up of his side for the start of their two-day clash against Old Boys at Riverside 1 on Saturday:

Mudaliar added: “I won’t be missing cricket to go watch the Ashes, but good luck to the guys who are.”

Old Boys captain Ben Middlebrook said the reigning premiers had players heading to the first and second Tests, including himself for the Adelaide clash, commencing December 2. 

Middlebrook, Tamworth District Cricket Association president, said: “I know that Old Boys have [players going to both Tests] but I don’t know about the other clubs.

“I don’t think it’s a great deal [for us] – one or two each Test.

“[Adam] Lole and a couple of second-graders are going to the first Test. Myself  and Mitchell Swain are going to the second Test in Adelaide.

“There’s not much we can do about it. It’s all good … I know this is my first Ashes Test. Usually every year we get one or two [players] going up for the Test.”

The third Test is in Perth, with the Melbourne fourth Test played when local cricket associations have their Christmas hiatus.

“We generally lose players to Brisbane but the Sydney one is even more popular for us,” North Tamworth captain Brendan Rixon said, adding that he did not expect to lose players to the Brisbane Test this time.

South Tamworth president Terry Browne said losing players to the Brisbane Test “hasn’t come up in conversation”.

“I wouldn’t know [if there are] until tomorrow [Thursday] afternoon,” he said.

“I know we’ve got some going to Adelaide – it’s not necessarily players … I can’t remember if it’s players or someone else.”

New England Club Colts captain Nathan Purvis said he would find out on Wednesday night which players would be missing due to the Brisbane Test, ahead of Colts’ clash against Kings at King George Oval on Saturday.

Purvis said: “The trick will be getting a full side with the Ashes starting in Brisbane. We’re looking at that now … I know one player who won’t be there.”