England announce 2013 summer schedule
Last Updated: June 1, 2012 11:11am
Trent Bridge: Will host the first Ashes Test
The ECB have confirmed the itinerary for the 2013 international fixtures, with Trent Bridge to host the first Ashes Test.
It is another packed schedule for England, with series against New Zealand in all three formats between May 16 and June 27 before the world's top-eight teams contest the Champions Trophy.
The Oval, Cardiff and Edgbaston are the home grounds for that tournament but, as ever, the focus will be on the arrival of Australia.
They will play two four-day warm-ups, against Somerset and Worcestershire, before the opening Test in Nottingham on July 10.
The second Test, at Lord's, follows immediately on July 18 before Australia face Sussex in another tour match at Hove.
The next two Tests are also back to back, with Old Trafford the venue for the third match, as it was in the memorable 2005 series, and Durham's first taste of Ashes cricket coming in the penultimate match of the series, starting on August 9.
the venue for the third match, as it was in the memorable 2005 series, and Durham's first taste of Ashes cricket coming in the penultimate match of the series, starting on August 9.
The tourists then have a two-day fixture at Northampton before the sides meet again at The Oval, where England have clinched the urn for the last two home series.
before the sides meet again at The Oval, where England have clinched the urn for the last two home series.Memorable
England will then contest two Twenty20s and five one-day matches against the old enemy as well a standalone trip to Malahide to face Ireland.
The final match on the calendar, a 50-over clash with Australia, takes place at Hampshire's Ageas Bowl on September 16.
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.
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."
Collier also referred to the decision to hand Lord's the first Test of the summer against New Zealand, having initially awarded the fixture to Cardiff.
Ticket sales for last summer's Test against Sri Lanka were disappointing and a compromise deal was reached which saw Glamorgan trade their Test for the Champions Trophy fixtures.
"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," said Collier.
"Cardiff was originally scheduled to stage next summer's first 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."
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