Watching the Aussie batsmen fall yesterday, one after another at an unbelievable rate, my heart sank. As an Australian calling Nottingham home, I’ve been full of anticipation for the Investec Ashes Test at Trent Bridge this year.

In 2013, I had tickets to the second day and watched in awe as Ashton Agar scored his 98, and although we weren’t the victors on the day, it was still an exciting Test to watch.

This year, us Aussies are looking pretty dire, but when it comes to the Ashes in Nottingham, it’s about more than cricket. Now is the ideal time for visitors from down under to make the most of all my new hometown has to offer.

If the Test finishes early, which it’s more than likely to, we’ll have a glut of tourists in the city, looking for something to do, and they won’t be disappointed. From the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest to the beach in Old Market Square and a myriad of beer festivals, great restaurants and bars, and top attractions, visitors really will be spoilt for choice.

To Australians in town for the Test, I say the best way to drown your sorrows is by immersing yourself in all this fine city and county have to offer. Catch some outdoor theatre at Nottingham Castle or take a tour of the dungeons with Robin Hood himself.

Enjoy a drink in England’s oldest pub, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem or check out award-winning city eateries such as Delilah and MemSaab.

See treasures from Chatsworth at Nottingham Contemporary as part of their special Grand Tour exhibition or visit the Galleries of Justice Museum and see the courthouse and gaol where prisoners were held being transported to Australia and the colonies.

For more sporting fun, see the Rugby World Cup trophy when it visits Nottingham’s Old Market Square on Sunday 9 August or visit Harvey Hadden Sports Complex and take in the Cerebral Palsy World Games.

Find out more about all you can see and do and access great discount offers for ticket holders at: http://www.experiencenottinghamshire.com/trent-bridge