PHOTOS: Fans add colour and spark to The Ashes

Cricket owes its popularity to its fans and when two of the biggest teams in cricket complete against each other, it makes the contest lip-smacking!

Ashes has that aura which unites and divides the fans alike.

England-Australia are traditional rivals and Ashes brings out the best in not only the players but also the fans.

It was not long ago that Australians were dominating cricket and winning became their habit therefore England were at the receiving end of all the jokes.

But tables have seemed to be turned and the Aussies are no more laughing.

England are enjoying their golden era as Marylebone cricket club members wait in a queue to enter the ground before the second Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground, London.

Cricket fans make a 'Beer Snake' from empty plastic beer glasses during the first day of the third Ashes test match at Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester, northern England.

Queen Elizabeth II was the special attraction on Day 1 of the second Test between England and Australia at Lord's, in London, on Thursday.

She spoke with England captain Alastair Cook before being introduced to the rest of the squad ahead of the start of the match.

Britain's Queen also met Australia's Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke and Darren Lehmann.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron also showed up to watch the Ashes. He spoke to Geoffrey Boycott during the lunch break of the second Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London.