England to face Australia in white-ball cricket as part of packed 2020 summer schedule

England will face Australia, West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland in 18 matches across the game's three formats ahead of the World T20, which begins on October 8 in Australia

England men will face Australia in both limited-over formats in the summer of 2020 as part of a busy schedule that will see the 50-over world champions also take on West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland.

England will play six Tests as part of the World Test Championship, six one-day internationals and six international T20 matches, which will act as preparation opportunities ahead of the World T20 in Australia, which begins on October 8.

Following this summer’s Ashes series, Justin Langer’s side will return to the UK in July for six one-day clashes, beginning with a three-match T20 series, with the three games taking place in the north of England.

The contest will begin at Emirates Riverside, before further clashes at Headingley and Old Trafford. Three ODIs will then follow at Lord’s, Ageas Bowl and Bristol. It will be the seventh time in nine years that Australia have toured England, including the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Before Australia arrive, however, England will take on West Indies in a three-match Test series. The two sides will face off at The Oval, Edgbaston and Lord’s in June. Whereas traditionally England have ended their Test summer at The Oval, next year they will begin the schedule in south London.

Jason Holder’s side emerged victorious the last time these two teams met – albeit in the Caribbean, while their last Test visit to the UK saw England win the series 2-1. However, the visitors impressed on that occasion, with Shai Hope scoring twin centuries at Headingley as he led his side to a famous chase.

Pakistan will also face England in Test cricket next summer – another three-match series, beginning on July 30 and running through much of August, before finishing with a three-match T20 series at Headingley, Sophia Gardens and Ageas Bowl.

^{Last time West Indies faced England in the UK, Shai Hope led West Indies to a famous victory at Headingley}

The international summer then comes to an end with a three-match ODI series against Ireland, with those matches taking place at Trent Bridge, Edgbaston and The Oval.

ECB chief executive 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.”

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