The England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) independent Host Venue Panel (HVP) have announced that Edgbaston will be used as a contingency venue and stage additional training for England’s behind-closed-door Test series against West Indies in July.
England will play three Tests in the space of 21 days, beginning on 8 July at the Ageas Bowl, followed by two Tests at Emirates Old Trafford on 16 July and 24 July.
All three matches will be played at bio-secure venues, with West Indies staying at Lancashire’s Emirates Old Trafford for a three-week training and quarantining period from 9 June.
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,” he added.
The original schedule which was due to take place between 4-29 June and featured Tests at The Kia Oval, Edgbaston and Lord’s, had to be postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
This comes after the news that domestic cricket has been postponed until at least 1 August.