TheSportsCampus

ECB today announced next summer's home international schedule which will include tours by Australia and New Zealand, and the world's top eight One Day International teams competing in the ICC Champions Trophy.

The Ashes Test series will begin at Trent Bridge in July with Lord's, Old Trafford, The Kia Oval, and, for the first time, Emirates Durham ICG, also hosting Ashes Test matches later in the summer.

Lord's will play host to the 1st Investec Test of the summer against New Zealand, with Headingley Carnegie the venue for the 2nd Test before the two teams meet again in three NatWest Series One Day Internationals and two NatWest International T20s later in the summer.

Cardiff, Edgbaston and The Oval will be the host venues for the ICC Champions Trophy which will be staged in England for the first time since 2004. Edgbaston will host the final of competition with the other two venues each hosting a semi-final.

ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: "The prospect of England defending the Ashes on home soil, the world's top eight teams competing in the ICC Champions Trophy, and a full programme of 50-Over and T20 International cricket will provide rich pickings for cricket fans next summer.

"Last season's international programme attracted a record aggregate attendance of more than 850,000 spectators and we would urge all fans to purchase their international tickets early for 2013 to avoid missing out on what promises to be a memorable summer.

"Wales has earned an outstanding reputation for its ability to deliver world-class sporting events and we are delighted that Cardiff will be used as a host venue for the ICC Champions Trophy and stage a semi-final.

"Cardiff was originally scheduled to stage next summer's 1st Investec Test match against New Zealand and following further discussions between ECB, Glamorgan CCC, and MCC, this match will now be played at Lord's. We are grateful to both parties for their co-operation in this matter. "