• Australia in England 2013

Chester-le-Street to host Ashes Test for first time

England will begin their defence of the Ashes at Trent Bridge © PA Photos

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England will begin their 2013 defence of the Ashes with back-to-back Tests at Trent Bridge and Lord's in July, while Australia will play a Test at Durham's Chester-le-Street ground for the first time in the fourth match of the series. The ECB has announced the schedules for Australia's tour next year, as well as the visit of New Zealand earlier in the summer and the itinerary for the ICC Champions Trophy.

The 2013 series between England and Australia will kick off a run of 10 Ashes Tests in a row. The third match will see Test cricket return to Old Trafford for the first time since 2010, while the series will conclude at the traditional venue of the The Oval.

David Collier, the ECB's chief executive, 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."

The next Ashes in Australia will take place over the winter of 2013-14 to avoid a clash with the 2015 World Cup, which will be held in Australia.

Australia tour itinerary

Wed June 26-29 4-day v Somerset Taunton
Tue July 2-5 4-day v Worcestershire New Road
Wed July 10-14 1st Investec Test Trent Bridge
Thu July 18-22 2nd Investec Test Lord's
Fri July 26-28 3-day v Sussex Hove
Thu August 1-5 3rd Investec Test Old Trafford
Fri August 9-13 4th Investec Test Emirates Durham ICG
Fri August 16-17 2-day v Northamptonshire* Northampton*
Wed August 21-25 5th Investec Test Kia Oval
Thu August 29 1st NatWest International T20 (f) The Ageas Bowl
Sat August 31 2nd NatWest International T20 Emirates Durham ICG
Tue September 3 ODI Scotland v Australia Citylets Grange
Fri September 6 1st NatWest ODI Headingley Carnegie
Sun September 8 2nd NatWest ODI Old Trafford
Wed September 11 3rd NatWest ODI (D/N) Edgbaston
Sat September 14 4th NatWest ODI SWALEC Stadium
Mon September 16 5th NatWest ODI (D/N) The Ageas Bowl

* If Northamptonshire reach the Friends Life t20 Final, England Lions will host Australia at Northampton in a two-day fixture on August 16-17

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