Pakistan, Sri Lanka set to tour England in 2016

Pakistan, Sri Lanka set to tour England in 2016: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced the calendar for the next summer with Pakistan and Sri Lanka both set to tour the nation in 2016. The recent Ashes triumph has evoked substantial interest among fans and experts alike as England are set to face a dual sub continental challenge at home next year. The England side begin with Sri Lanka’s Test trip to Headingley on May 19 and end with a NatWest T20 against Pakistan on September 7.

Pakistan will be touring the country for the first time since 2010 and will contest four Test Matches, five ODIs and a T20 international in the second half of the summer. The season will start with England looking to avenge last year’s 1-0 Test series loss and a 3-2 ODI series defeat against the Sri Lankans who will play 3 Tests 5 one dayers and a sole T20 international.

The last time Pakistan played in England it was a series marred by the infamous Spot fixing saga as Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were found guilty of unethical conduct. The ICC had to step and later imposed bans on the three players – Butt for 10 years, Asif for 7 years and Amer for 5 years. That remains a huge blot on Pakistan cricket till date, and they will be hoping that they do not have to face public humiliation again.

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 team 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.”

The first part of the international season will have a strong northern flavour with Headingley and Durham both hosting Test Matches against Sri Lanka before the three-match series concludes at Lord’s. Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Bristol, The Kia Oval and the Cardiff will then stage the ODIs against the Lankans.

Lord’s will host the opening clash in England’s four-match Test series against Pakistan with Old Trafford, Edgbaston and The Kia Oval all set to host Test Matches against the tourists while Headingley, Lords and The Ageas Bowl will then host the ODIs having not got any in the Sri Lanka schedule.

Sri Lanka Series Itinerary:

8-10 May Three-day match v Essex – Chelmsford

13-15 May Three-day v Leicestershire – Grace Road, Leicester

19-23 May First Investec Test – Headingley

27-31 May Second Investec Test – Durham

9-13 June Third Investec Test – Lord’s

16 June First ODI v Ireland – Ireland venue TBC

18 June Second ODI v Ireland – Ireland venue TBC

21 June First Royal London ODI (day/night) – Trent Bridge

24 June Second Royal London ODI (day/night) – Edgbaston

26 June Third Royal London ODI – Bristol

29 June Fourth Royal London ODI (day/night) – Kia Oval

2 July 5th Royal London ODI – Swalec, Cardiff

5 July NatWest T20 – Ageas Bowl, Southampton

Pakistan Series Itinerary:

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

8-10 July three-day match v Sussex – Hove

14-18 July First Investec Test – Lord’s

22-26 July Second Investec Test – Old Trafford

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

3-7 August Third Investec Test – Edgbaston

11-15 August Fouth Investec Test – Kia Oval

18 August First ODI v Ireland – Ireland venue TBC

20 August Second ODI v Ireland – Ireland venue TBC

24 August First Royal London ODI (day/night) – Ageas Bowl

27 August Second Royal London ODI – Lord’s

30 August Third Royal London ODI (day/night) – Trent Bridge

1 September Fourth Royal London ODI (day/night) – Headingley

4 September 5th Royal London ODI – Swalec, Cardiff

7 September NatWest T20 – Old Trafford