London: England and Wales Cricket Board on Tuesday announced the schedule of the three-match home Test series against the West Indies in July, subject to government clearance.
The series will be played behind close doors in a bio-secure environment and mark the resumption of international cricket after COVID-19 pandemic brought to a halt to the international calendar.
The contest starting July 8 will be held at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl and Lancashire’s Old Trafford as both these venues have on-site hotels. The first Test will be held from July 8-12 while the remaining two at Old Trafford (July 16-20 and July 24-28). “The West Indies squad will arrive in the UK on Tuesday 9 June, travelling to Emirates Old Trafford for quarantining and training. This will be their base for a three-week period before moving to the Ageas Bowl for the start of the first Test,” said the ECB in a statement.
The ECB events director Steve Elworthy, who is leading on English cricket’s bio-secure operational plans, said the dates are subject to government approval.
The venue selection criteria included medical screening/testing provision and on-site accommodation.
“The HVP also confirmed that Edgbaston was selected as a contingency venue and will be used to stage additional training throughout July,” the ECB statement read. The home series against Pakistan is scheduled after the tour by West Indies. (PTI)
