LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday announced the schedule for next year’s Ashes series, which will take place after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in the country.
The series will be sponsored once again by Specsavers, the optical retail brand that also is involved in the same capacity with the English county championship.
However, for the first time, the ECB revealed that each venue of the Ashes series will be releasing tickets via their own public ballot, due to a growing demand for them amongst fans from both England and Australia.
ECB CEO Tom Harrison said: “Next summer’s schedule – with an ICC Cricket World Cup and an Ashes Series at its heart – is truly a season to savour for cricket fans of all ages, nationalities and cultures.
“It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to build an even bigger following for all formats of the game.
“There is nothing more important to England cricket fans than an Ashes Series. With the added element of being England’s first Test series in the new World Test Championship, it’s a hugely exciting prospect and we anticipate unprecedented demand for tickets.
“We would love to see fans from all over the world getting to experience the unique atmosphere of an Ashes Test match after the ICC Cricket World Cup.
In another top development, Ireland will get another opportunity to showcase their Test credentials, taking on neighbours England in a historic Test match at Lords from July 24-27, just before the Ashes. Whereas to start the English summer, the hosts will take on Pakistan in a 5-match ODI series to prepare for the World Cup.
“We fully supported the ICC’s decision to award Full Membership to Cricket Ireland and we expect next summer’s inaugural Test match at Lord’s against our neighbours to be an historic celebration for all Irish cricket fans.
“It will also provide excellent Ashes preparation for England against an Irish team whose impressive performance against Pakistan earlier this year showed they can compete strongly in this form of the game.”, Harrison concluded.
The ECB also revealed that a multi-format Women’s Ashes will take place in the country as well, the details of which will be announced soon.
Ashes schedule:
Thursday 1 – Monday 5 Aug: 1st Test, Edgbaston
Wednesday 14 – Sunday 18 Aug: 2nd Test, Lord’s
Thursday 22 – Monday 26 Aug: 3rd Test, Emerald Headingley
Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 Sept: 4th Test, Emirates Old Trafford
Thursday 12 – Monday 16 Sept: 5th Test, Kia Oval
