TO CELEBRATE this year’s Ashes series – the first to be broadcast live in high definition – legendary Gloucestershire and England cricketer-turned-artist, Jack Russell MBE, has collaborated with Sky to hand-paint five Sky+HD boxes.

Russell, pictured on the commission left, has selected four of his favourite moments in recent Ashes history to depict on Sky+HD boxes, creating a unique collection which includes a badger-haired Keven Pietersen celebrating his crucial 100 at The Oval during the 2005 series.

The final box of the collection will feature the first-ever Test match ball bowled at Cardiff’s Sofia Gardens; a commemorative box painted as the series got underway on July 8.

Jack was supplied with specially primed Sky+HD box tops and bottoms, which allowed his oil-based paints to take to the surface.

The boxes, which took more than four weeks to complete, are fully functioning.

Former England wicketkeeper Russell made his Test debut in 1988 and went on to play 54 Tests for his country. Now a much-respected artist, he runs successful galleries in London and Chipping Sodbury.

The mini masterpieces are to be auctioned to the public, with the proceeds going to two worthy causes – the English Schools’ Cricket Association through the Bunbury Cricket Club, and the Sky-backed charity Youth Sport Trust. The public will be able to bid for these special works of art through an online auction, which runs throughout the 2009 Ashes series.

For more information and to bid visit www.sky.com/jackrussell.