England to host West Indies in behind-closed-doors Test series

The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed that Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl and Lancashire’s Old Trafford will be the venues for a three-Test series beginning on 8 July

England will host the West Indies in a behind-closed-doors Test series beginning in July, it has been confirmed.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed that Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl and Lancashire’s Old Trafford will be the venues for a three-Test series beginning on 8 July.

All plans remain reliant on international cricket gaining the required government clearance to go ahead.

Both venues must comply with strict bio-security measures throughout with players and staff members set to be subjected to regular testing for coronavirus.

ECB director of events 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 West Indies squad will arrive in the UK on 9 June, travelling to Old Trafford for quarantining and training.

Manchester will then be their base for a three-week period before moving to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton for the start of the first Test before the second and third Tests back at Old Trafford.

The ECB have also confirmed a decision on other scheduled matches for England’s men’s and women’s teams this summer will be determined at a later date.

Full schedule

• 1st Test vs West Indies: 8-12 July at Ageas Bowl

• 2nd Test vs West Indies: 16-20 July at Old Trafford

• 3rd Test vs West Indies: 24-28 July at Old Trafford