THE international cricket calendar for 2020 has been confirmed, and as expected, Durham’s Emirates Riverside ground will stage a T20 fixture between England and Australia.

The Australians will return to the North-East on Friday, July 3, with the game due to start at 6.30pm. With Emirates Riverside having been stripped of its Test status in the wake of Durham’s demotion to the second division of the County Championship, the game will be the only international fixture staged at Chester-le-Street next summer.

“We are delighted to have another high-profile international fixture at Emirates Riverside,” said Durham chief executive Tim Bostock. “Our last three England games have sold out and this will be another full house. I would encourage anyone who does not purchase a membership but wants to come to this game to sign up for the ballot as early as possible.”

Tickets do not go on general sale until October 10, but a public ballot will open on August 30 and Durham members who renew their membership for 2020 will be able to purchase tickets from September 9.

Vitality Blast season ticket holders will also have the opportunity to purchase international tickets early if they renew their membership for 2020 from September 23.

“With further interest in IT20 cricket, the six-matches against Australia and the world number one side Pakistan will offer a fascinating guide to form ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia during the autumn of 2020,” said ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison.