England to host ICC Champions Trophy in 2013
ECB today announced next summer's home international schedule which will include tours by Australia and New Zealand, and the world's top eight One Day International teams competing in the ICC Champions Trophy.
The Investec Ashes Test series will begin at Trent Bridge in July with Lord's, Old Trafford, The Kia Oval, and, for the first time, Emirates Durham ICG, also hosting Ashes Test Matches later in the summer.
Lord's will play host to the 1st Investec Test of the summer against New Zealand, with Headingley Carnegie the venue for the 2nd Test before the two teams meet again in three NatWest Series One Day Internationals and two NatWest International T20s later in the summer.
Cardiff, Edgbaston and The Oval will be the host venues for the ICC Champions Trophy which will be staged in England for the first time since 2004. Edgbaston will host the final of competition with the other two venues each hosting a semi-final.
ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: "The prospect of England defending the Ashes on home soil, the world's top eight teams competing in the ICC Champions Trophy, and a full programme of 50-Over and T20 International cricket will provide rich pickings for cricket fans next summer.
"Last season's international programme attracted a record aggregate attendance of more than 850,000 spectators and we would urge all fans to purchase their international tickets early for 2013 to avoid missing out on what promises to be a memorable summer.
"Wales has earned an outstanding reputation for its ability to deliver world-class sporting events and we are delighted that Cardiff will be used as a host venue for the ICC Champions Trophy and stage a semi-final.
"Cardiff was originally scheduled to stage next summer's 1st Investec Test match against New Zealand and following further discussions between ECB, Glamorgan CCC, and MCC, this match will now be played at Lord's. We are grateful to both parties for their co-operation in this matter. "
New Zealand tour itinerary
| Sat 4 - Mon 6 May | 3-day v Derbyshire | Derby |
| Thu 9 - Sun 12 May | 4-day v England Lions | Grace Rd, Leics |
| Thu 16 - Mon 20 May | 1st Investec Test | Lord's |
| Fri 24 - Tue 28 May | 2nd Investec Test | Headingley Carnegie |
| Fri 31 May | 1st NatWest ODI | Lord's |
| Sun 2 June | 2nd NatWest ODI | The Ageas Bowl |
| Wed 5 June | 3rd NatWest ODI | Trent Bridge (D/N) |
| Sat 22 June | T20 warm-up v Kent* | Canterbury* |
| Tue 25 June | 1st NatWest International T20 | Kia Oval (f) |
| Thu 27 June | 2nd NatWest International T20 | Kia Oval (f) |
Note - * T20 tour match at Canterbury on 22 June cancelled if NZ in Final of ICC Champions Trophy.
ICC Champions Trophy Group Stages 6-17 June
ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Finals
Weds 19 June - The Oval
Thurs 20 June - Cardiff
ICC Champions Trophy Final
Sun 23 June - Edgbaston
Australia tour itinerary
| Wed 26-29 June | 4-day v Somerset | Taunton |
| Tue 2-5 July | 4-day v Worcestershire | New Road |
| Wed 10-14 July | 1st Investec Test | Trent Bridge |
| Thu 18-22 July | 2nd Investec Test | Lord's |
| Fri 26-28 July | 3-day v Sussex | Hove |
| Thu 1-5 Aug | 3rd Investec Test | Old Trafford |
| Fri 9-13 Aug | 4th Investec Test | Emirates Durham ICG |
| Fri 16-17 Aug | 2-day v Northamptonshire* | Northampton* |
| Wed 21-25 Aug | 5th Investec Test | Kia Oval |
| Thu 29 Aug | 1st NatWest International T20 (f) | The Ageas Bowl |
| Sat 31 Aug | 2nd NatWest International T20 | Emirates Durham ICG |
| Tue 3 Sept | ODI Scotland v Australia | Citylets Grange |
| Fri 6 Sept | 1st NatWest ODI | Headingley Carnegie |
| Sun 8 Sept | 2nd NatWest ODI | Old Trafford |
| Wed 11 Sept | 3rd NatWest ODI (D/N) | Edgbaston |
| Sat 14 Sept | 4th NatWest ODI | SWALEC Stadium |
| Mon 16 Sept | 5th NatWest ODI (D/N) | The Ageas Bowl |
Ireland v England
Tue 3 Sept ODI Ireland v England Malahide CC, Dublin
*
If Northamptonshire reach the Friends Life t20 Final, England Lions will host Australia at Northampton in a two-day fixture on August 16th and 17th.