The Oval will host the first Test of the summer in 2020 and we’re not sure how to feel

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The Oval general view generic 2019 PA

The ECB have announced next summer’s England men’s schedule and, in a break from tradition that has us reeling and confused, The Oval will host the first rather than last Test of the summer. Change is not good.

Luckily not everything has changed. As is now customary, Australia will be one of the teams England play following their tours in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2019 plus the Champions Trophy in 2017. Pakistan are also back for what will be a fifth successive year.

There are four teams heading to England in all, with three-Test series against West Indies and Pakistan – both of which will count towards the World Test Championship, plus ODIs and T20s against Australia, T20s against Pakistan and ODIs against Ireland to round things off.

The international summer kicks off at The Oval in June against West Indies.

The second Test will be played at Edgbaston with the third Test taking place at Lord’s. England will be looking to gain revenge after losing the Test series in the Caribbean last winter – and as soon as the odds are out, a promo code would be wise to be used to get the best possible returns – if online sports betting is your thing.

After an Ashes summer in 2019, Australia return for a three-match T20 series in the north of England with matches at the Riverside, Headingley and Old Trafford.

Australia round off their tour with a three-match ODI series against the world champions at Lord’s, Ageas Bowl and Bristol.

Pakistan will face Joe Root’s England in a three-match Test series in July and August at Lord’s, Old Trafford and Trent Bridge.

The sides then meet in a three-match T20 series – giving England six T20s in all ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia next autumn.

Things wrap up in September with three ODIs against Ireland at Trent Bridge, Edgbaston and The Oval.

ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison said: “The ICC World Test Championship will add significance and context to the Test Series against West Indies and Pakistan. Where every Test matters, there will be lots of points to play for as England continue their efforts to reach the inaugural World Test Championship final in June 2021.

“Alongside the red ball matches, England’s ODI contests against Australia and Ireland will see the World Champions return to home soil with big crowds expected at all venues.

“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.

“Following a once-in-a-generation summer which has seen exceptional demand for tickets, all men’s international host venues will be running ticket ballots.

“We would urge fans to register their interest now and plan for another big summer of cricket.”

England men’s summer 2020 fixtures

England v West Indies Test series

Thu 4 -Mon 8 June – 1st Test v West Indies, Kia Oval, 11am
Fri 12-Tue 16 June – 2nd Test v West Indies, Edgbaston, 11am
Thu 25-Mon 29 June – 3rd Test v West Indies, Lord’s, 11am

England v Australia IT20 series

Fri 3 July – 1st IT20 v Australia, Emirates Riverside, Durham, 6.30pm
Sun 5 July – 2nd IT20 v Australia, Emirates Old Trafford, 5pm
Tue 7 July – 3rd IT20 v Australia, Emerald Headingley, 6.30pm

England v Australia ODI series

Sat 11 July – 1st ODI v Australia, Lord’s, 1pm
Tue 14 July – 2nd ODI v Australia, Ageas Bowl, 1pm
Thu 16 July – 3rd ODI v Australia, The Brightside Ground, Bristol, 1pm

England v Pakistan Test series

Thu 30 July-Mon 3 Aug – 1st Test v Pakistan, Lord’s, 11am
Fri 7-Tue 11 Aug – 2nd Test v Pakistan, Emirates Old Trafford, 11am
Thu 20-Mon 24 Aug – 3rd Test v Pakistan, Trent Bridge, 11am

England v Pakistan IT20 series

Sat 29 Aug – 1st IT20 v Pakistan, Emerald Headingley, 5pm
Mon 31 Aug – 2nd IT20 v Pakistan, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 2.30pm
Wed 2 Sept – 3rd IT20 v Pakistan, Ageas Bowl, 6.30pm

England v Ireland ODI series

Thu 10 Sept – 1st ODI v Ireland, Trent Bridge, 12.30pm
Sat 12 Sept – 2nd ODI v Ireland, Edgbaston, 12.30pm
Tue 15 Sept – 3rd ODI v Ireland, Kia Oval, 12.30pm