England's cricketing heroes took to the field Down Under yesterday as they defend their Ashes victory against arch foes Australia.

But they won't be the only ones facing off against old friends in the Oz.

A team of fitness fanatics in South Croydon are to go head-to-head with Australian adversaries in their very own Ashes challenge, timed to coincide with the series.

And while it may not go back as cricket's far as one of greatest rivalries, there is history to add extra spice to the contest.

Ben Laundon, who runs Croydon-based Corpus Fitness, and Nick Ellson, owner of Northside Fitness in Brisbane, went to Caterham School together in their youth.

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The team limber up with some star jumps

Now both 40, the personal trainers embarked on numerous athletic feats together, including a five-week trek in Kenya, mountain climbs and long-distance swims, before Mr Ellson moved to Australia in 2008.

The Ashes challenge will see each head a team of gym bunnies to go head to head in a series of challenges including burpees, jumping jacks, push-ups and wall squats.

The team which performs the most will win each 'test', with the overall winner crowned champions when the real Ashes draws to a close in January.

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Ben and his team proudly display their colours

Mr Laundon, who holds fitness classes at his Norman Road gym as well as church and community halls, said: "We both have a passion for fitness and well being and have ended up running similar companies on opposite sides of the world.

"We agreed that a challenge around the forthcoming Ashes series would be great fun and a super way to keep our training challenges fresh, engaging and exciting.

"Whilst we know it will be very challenging, we hope that Team Corpus's hard work and effort will see us win the fitness ashes for England".

You can follow Ben and his team's progress at fitnessashes.com

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The Aussie team, led by Nick Ellson

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