On Monday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that the three-match Test series against Pakistan will be commencing on August 5. Before the Test series, England will play three ODIs against Ireland which will be played on July 30, August 1, and 4 respectively in Southampton.

Pakistan’s Test series will commence at Old Trafford but the second and third Test will be played in Southampton. After the Test matches, Pakistan will also play three T20Is at Old Trafford scheduled for August 28, 30, and September 1.

Confirming the same, ECB CEO Tom Harrison said, “Confirmation of these matches against Ireland and Pakistan is another important step for our game as we begin to safely stage international cricket again, but also to minimize the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had and will continue to have, on cricket at all levels.”

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He further added, “It has taken significant effort and expertise to allow us to reach a position where cricket is now ready and able to return to the field of play from the elite level to recreational cricket. We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff, and administrators of the Cricket West Indies, Cricket Ireland, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their willingness and co-operation to get international cricket back up and running and allow these matches to be staged.”

ECB CEO also thanked all teh cricketing fans around the as now they will finally be able to witness some cricketing action brought by the ECB  despite all the challenges. He also gave a lot of credit to the officials along with the cricket network for making everything possible in this pandemic.

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Pakistan team reached England on June 28 and is undergoing 14 days of quarantine. They are in Worcester but will be reaching Derbyshire on July 13 to start their preparation for the first Test.