England announces India series

LONDON, Nov 18 (AFP)- The England and Wales Cricket Board said Wednesday they hoped spectators would return to matches next year as they announced a full international programme for 2021 culminating with a five-Test series at home to India.

Unlike this year's coronavirus-hit schedule, where a full set of men's international matches were played behind closed doors at Old Trafford and Southampton, the ECB are now planning to take fixtures all round the country as in a normal year.

The draft itinerary issued Wednesday includes nine different host grounds and anticipates a ticket ballot to allow spectators to attend matches once again.

The centrepiece of next year's programme is a Test series against India in August and September, with matches at Trent Bridge, Lord's, Headingley, the Oval and Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan are scheduled throughout June and July, with fixtures also due to take place at Durham, Edgbaston, Bristol and Cardiff.

It is possible that more games could be added amid uncertainty over whether the planned 2021 World Test Championship final will go ahead after several qualifying matches this year were cancelled because of the Covid-19 outbreak.