3 Jun 2020

England proposes July dates for test series with West Indies

6:03 am on 3 June 2020

England's three-match test series against the West Indies will begin on 8 July without fans at Hampshire's Ageas Bowl subject to UK government approval.

New Zealand-born England cricketer Ben Stokes

England cricketer Ben Stokes. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The series was initially scheduled to take place in June but was pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The second and third tests will be staged at Old Trafford from 16 July and 24 July respectively.

The two stadiums were selected as bio-secure venues due to their on-site hotels, medical testing facilities and ability to enforce social distancing during games, the ECB said.

Edgbaston will serve as a contingency venue to stage additional training throughout July.

"We are in daily dialogue with the government and our medical team, who have been incredibly supportive during this period," ECB's Director of Events, Steve Elworthy, said in a statement.

"These are our proposed dates and they remain subject to UK Government approval."

-Reuters