ECB announce dates for 2016 home series’

The England and Wales Cricket Board have announced the dates for their 2016 home season, which will see Sri Lanka and Pakistan visit England and play in all three formats of the game.

Sri Lanka will arrive in May 2016 and play in three Tests, five ODIs and a one-off T20 international while Pakistan will start their tour in July and will play four Tests, five ODIs and a T20.

Both Asian sides will also visit Ireland and play two ODIs each against the Associate side.

England will want to build on their success that they had at home this summer as they won the recent Ashes series against Australia with sell-out crowds in all five Tests.

ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said: "Alastair Cook was absolutely right to acknowledge the contribution of England's fans to our Ashes success.

"They have been unwavering in their support this summer and we would urge as many as possible to return to our international venues next summer – and get behind our men’s and women’s teams in large numbers once again.

"Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka will also attract strong support from their own communities in this country which all adds up to another exciting summer of international action played in front of packed houses for all three formats of the game."

Sri Lanka's tour of England 2016

8 – 10 May – 3-day v Essex – Chelmsford

13 – 15 May – 3-day v Leicestershire – Grace Rd, Leicester

19 – 23 May – 1st Test – Headingley

27 – 31 May – 2nd Test – Emirates Durham ICG

9 – 13 June – 3rd Test – Lord's

16 June – 1st ODI v Ireland – Ireland venue tbc

18 June – 2nd ODI v Ireland – Ireland venue tbc

21 June – 1st ODI D/N – Trent Bridge

24 June – 2nd ODI D/N – Edgbaston

26 June – 3rd ODI – Bristol

29 June – 4th ODI D/N – Kia Oval

2 July – 5th Royal London ODI – SWALEC, Cardiff

5 July – IT20 – Ageas Bowl, Southampton

Pakistan's tour of England 2016

3 – 5 July – 3-day v Somerset – Taunton

8 – 10 July – 3-day v Sussex – Hove

14 – 18 July – 1st Test – Lord's

22 – 26 July – 2nd Test – Old Trafford

29 – 30 July – 2-day v Worcestershire – New Road, Worcester

3 – 7 Aug – 3rd Test – Edgbaston

11 – 15 Aug – 4th Test – Kia Oval

18 Aug – 1st ODI v Ireland – Ireland venue tbc

20 Aug – 2nd ODI v Ireland – Ireland venue tbc

24 Aug – 1st ODI D/N – Ageas Bowl

27 Aug – 2nd Royal London ODI – Lord's

30 Aug – 3rd Royal London ODI D/N – Trent Bridge

1 Sept – 4th ODI D/N – Headingley

4 Sept – 5th ODI – SWALEC, Cardiff

7 Sept – IT20 – Old Trafford