BRISBANE: England's Barmy Army supporter group has already had one victory on the Ashes tour, with its trumpeter to be officially recognized at the first test against Australia _ a marked contrast to his previous visit, when he was arrested.
Four years ago, Cooper lasted barely one session at the Brisbane test before being arrested for playing a banned musical instrument. At the time he was playing the theme tune to the soap opera Neighbours _ made in Australia and popular in England.
Now, classically trained musician Billy Cooper will be part of the official entertainment package for the first test starting Thursday.
He will be given special permission to bring his trumpet to the ground, adding to the atmosphere amid expected sellout crowds throughout the series.