England’s three-Test series against the West Indies will go ahead next month subject to government clearance with Old Trafford hosting two of the matches.
The behind-closed doors games will take place at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl on July 8, followed by two at Lancashire’s home on July 16 and July 24 respectively.
The West Indies team, which agreed in principle to take part in the series last week, is scheduled to travel to England on June 9, and will be based at Old Trafford for quarantine and training for three weeks before heading south for the opening game.
ECB director of events and former Lancashire bowler Steve Elworthy said: “Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders including players, match officials, operational staff, essential venue staff, broadcasters and media.
“We are in daily dialogue with Government and our medical team, who have been incredibly supportive during this period. These are our proposed dates and they remain subject to UK Government approval.
“We would like to thank Cricket West Indies for their co-operation and dedication in making this tour a reality, and we all look forward to the prospect of cricket returning in the coming weeks.”
The series had originally been scheduled to take place this month but had to be postponed due to the coronavirus crisis. However the government’s recent relaxation of lockdown rules is set to enable the first international series since the start of the pandemic.
Venues must adhere to a series of strict guidelines, including the provision of designated isolation areas for anyone presenting symptoms, and medical screening and testing sites. International venues were encouraged to submit their expressions of interest during a five-day window with four putting their name forward before Lancashire and Hampshire got the nod.
The counties will receive an administration fee for staging games and all additional central costs will be met by the ECB.
Lancashire Cricket Chief Executive, Daniel Gidney, said: “We are delighted we can play our part in the return of international cricket in this country.
“The importance of restarting international cricket should not be underestimated as it will provide a huge boost to the mental health and wellbeing of supporters of the game across the country, all of the players and coaches involved, as well as the staff at Lancashire Cricket. It will also protect vital broadcast distributions and jobs across the whole of cricket.
“The facilities we have at Emirates Old Trafford are some of the best in the country, if not the world, following on from a decade-long £60 million redevelopment of the ground. The vision of the board, and then the execution of the redevelopment, including the on-site accommodation, has ultimately enabled Emirates Old Trafford to stand front and centre with the ECB and Government to help restart international cricket in this country. It’s a truly proud day for the Red Rose.
“The staff at Emirates Old Trafford have delivered multiple events with global reach and I have complete faith in them as we support the ECB in getting fixtures played behind closed doors.”
Edgbaston is a contingency venue and will be used to stage additional training throughout July.
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