Wednesday 18 November 2020 10:01 am

English cricket fans set to be welcomed back to grounds for full summer of international action

Sports Editor

England’s men will host a five-Test series with India at the end of a full summer of international cricket

English cricket chiefs have announced a full programme of international action — with fans in attendance — for next summer.

England’s men’s will play India in a five-Test series starting August, following white-ball matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The women’s side will host one-day and Twenty20 series with South Africa and New Zealand, while England’s visually impaired team are set to defend the Ashes in a limited-overs series.

Ballots for the men’s internationals have opened today, with details available from each host venue. General sale tickets will be on offer from 12 January.

Ticketholders are promised refunds if Covid-19 restrictions prohibit crowds or cause games to be rearranged.

Cricket’s drive to welcome back crowds comes after it emerged the government was considering allowing football fans back into stadiums in low-risk areas before Christmas.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said another men’s Test series could be held in June.

England’s men and women were forced to play their internationals behind closed doors this year.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “While Covid means there’s still a great deal of uncertainty, we really hope to be able to welcome fans back into the grounds safely next year to bring that unique atmosphere to stadia across the country.”