England captain Andrew Flintoff's musical favourite Sir Elton John is expected to lead the celebrity charge at next week's opening Ashes cricket Test at the Gabba.

Sir Elton, who opens his latest Australian tour in Brisbane on November 26, 2006, is a keen cricket follower. His spokeswoman said he was due in Brisbane a few days before the concert and was likely to attend some of the first Test, which starts on November 23, 2006.

Flintoff sang his favourite Elton song – "Rocket Man" – with Sir Elton at a London charity dinner in May 2006. The star allrounder and other England players are expected to attend the singer's Brisbane Entertainment Centre concert.

Other British celebrities tipped to be at the first Test are billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson and TV talkshow host Michael Parkinson.

Former British prime minister John Major, lyricist Sir Tim Rice and pop star Robbie Williams are other cricket lovers said to be planning to be in Australia for the much-anticipated Ashes series. Prince William also has been rumoured to be considering a visit to Australia for the Ashes.

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