Sports Bulletin

SB REPORT SOUTHAMPTON (August 26, 2020):-Pakistan opener Shan Masood and England all-rounder Chris Woakes came together for a chat on the final day of the three-match Test series. The two reviewed the competitive nature of the series, discussed the challenges of the bio-secure environment and the return of international cricket in Pakistan with the prospects of an England tour to the country. When Shan told Woakes about the positives of the return of cricket in Pakistan and the hosting of the entire HBL Pakistan Super League season five in the country, Woakes said, “Pakistan is a beautiful country and I have heard great stories about how passionate the fans are. I hope Test tours take place more frequently in the country.” Woakes, who led hosts to a victory in a closely-fought contest at Old Trafford, told Shan that the Test series between the two teams was a competitive one and quality of cricket was of the highest order. The two concurred the presence of fans would have made the series even more memorable. “This series was also hugely competitive and we [England] had to work extra hard to overcome the challenge,” the England all-rounder said. “Pakistan had a 10-year unbeaten record [in England] and we saw in the series how competitive it was especially since, you guys always seem to adapt very well to the conditions which most of the foreign teams touring here find as a challenge. “Pakistan have always had great support in England. I am sure the crowd would have enjoyed the Old Trafford Test as the match deserved a crowd. It would have been great to have banter between fans and to have live noise.” Woakes praised Shan for his career-best 156 in the first innings of that Test. He said: “We played U19 cricket together back in 2007 which now seems a lifetime ago. I was pleased for you to see you get 150 but not for me as I had to bowl all those overs.”   To a question by Woakes about Pakistan team management, Shan stated the presence of legendary former cricketers headed by Misbah-ul-Haq worked collectively on improving the players’ performances while focusing on technical and mental strengths along with the weaknesses of players. “I have a long association with Younis Khan. To score a hundred in his first match as the batting consultant of the team was a very special moment for me as he has been a mentor and coach to me for a very long time. I have played a lot of cricket under him at the first-class level. “Waqar Younis has worked extremely hard with the young pace attack led by Naseem and Shaheen. He even made me bowl a lot of overs in nets sessions and I also ended up bowling in the Southampton Tests. Misbah has really grown in his role and has been providing invaluable guidance to all; he is a great support to the squad. Mushtaq Ahmed who has had a lot of experience of coaching the England team has also been a tremendous help not only to spinners but the entire squad.” Reflecting on the team’s preparations ahead of the Test series, Shan told Woakes the team had worked very hard in the bio-secure bubble and was pleased with the facilities given to them. “We really worked hard in the build-up, which started in Derby when we first arrived in England. We really enjoyed the hospitality and we were provided great care in a challenging environment. Overall the Test series was played in great spirits between the two teams despite the on field battle for supremacy.”

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (August 26, 2020):-Hosts England has released the final schedule of three-match T-20 series on Wednesday, as both teams would meet at Old Trafford on Friday (August 28) in the first fixture. Schedule: England v Pakistan: 1st IT20 v Pakistan: Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20 v Pakistan: Sunday 30 August at Emirates Old Trafford (2.15pm start) 3rd IT20 v Pakistan: Tuesday 1 September at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start) England v Australia: 1st IT20 v Australia: Friday 4 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20 v Australia: Sunday 6 September at The Ageas Bowl (2.15pm start) 3rd IT20 v Australia: Tuesday 8 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (August 26, 2020):-Pakistan skipper of Test team Azhar Ali jumped 11 steps up in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Ranking after scoring 141 runs innings against hosts England in the third Test match in Southampton. Azhar, who started the Test in 34th position, has jumped 11 places up to become Pakistan’s second highest-ranked batsman after Babar Azam, who has retained his fifth position. Azhar come into the third Test with scores of 0, 18 and 20, and carried his bat for 141, which was his 17th Test century in 81 matches. His efforts were unable to save Pakistan from follow-on, but his side managed to earn a respectable draw as the series ended 1-0 in England’s favour. Babar Azam scored 11 and 63 not out in the third Southampton Test, but has stayed in fifth position on 797 points. The list is headed by Steve Smith of Australia (911 points), followed by Virat Kohli (886), Marnus Labuschagne (827) and Kane Williamson (812). Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who was adjudged Pakistan’s player of the series, has gained three places and is now in 72nd position. Rizwan scored 53 and added 138 runs for the sixth wicket with Azhar in Pakistan’s first innings score of 273. Pakistan batsmen slipping in the latest ICC rankings are Asad Shafiq (26th), Shan Masood (29th), Abid Ali (59th), while Fawad Alam is outside the top-100. In the bowling table, Mohammad Abbas has dropped out of the top-10 after sliding five places to share 13th position with India’s Mohammad Shami. The fast bowler, however, has remained Pakistan’s highest-ranked Test bowler. Wrist spinner Yasir Shah, who took two for 173, has also slipped one place to 23rd spot, Shaheen Shah Afridi has stayed in 33rd spot and Naseem has dropped to 57th position. James Anderson, who dismissed Azhar to become the first fast bowler to capture 600 Test wickets, has moved up to eighth in the list, which is headed by Pat Cummins and followed by Stuart Broad, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee and Jason Holder.

By BIPIN DANI England's top order batsman Zak Crawley's 267 runs against Pakistan in the ongoing 3rd Test against Pakistan is the highest innings in Tests to end by stumping. The previous highest score for someone who was stumped out was Seymour Nurse's 258 in 1969. It took over 50 years for the highest scoring batsman to be stumped. "Credit goes to the wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan for keeping his concentration for so long (nine hours) and stumping the batsman", India's ex-stumper Kiran More says. "Only the top keeper can do this". "Credit should definitely be given to the wicket keeper. There will be many situations when a batsman who is batting brilliantly  keepers tend to take things for granted that the batsman will strike every ball. But keeping focused for such a lengthy period of time when a batsman has got over 250 runs and still gets him stumped is a testimony for his concentration levels", another keeper and the ex-chief selector, MSK Prasad remarked. "It reflects that when the batsman occupies the crease for so long, his chances become less to miss the ball. Pak. wk deserves appreciation for concentrating so long and stumping the man", Ajay Ratra said. "It is a challenge to keep wickets and focus for a long time. Only champions can do it", another wk, Naman Ojha said. Farokh Engineer : WK is the most important job for concentration for long hours and more difficult if the same wicketkeeper has to open the innings when he needs completely different concentration.

By BIPIN DANI Bangladeshi all rounder Shakib Al Hasan's fate for the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be discussed early next week, it is learnt here. According to the sources in the BCB, the selectors will be meeting on Tuesday (first time in last five months) and will discuss the composition of the preliminary squad of 20 players for the three Tests to be played in Sri lanka in October-November. "The final squad will only be announced in Sri Lanka", one of the sources, speaking exclusively said. Apparently, this decision is to confirm the coronavirus results of all selected players. The selectors will also discuss with the team management   whether to include Shakib Al Hasan for the second and third Tests. Shakib's one year ICC ban (for not disclosing the approach) ends on 29th September. "Till then he cannot use the BCB and the SLC facilities for training but selectors can certainly include him for the remaining two Tests", one of the officials said.  Few in Bangladesh certainly want experienced Shakib to join the Lanka tour for the last two Tests. Selectors are also likely to seek coach Russell Domingo's inputs at a later stage. Domingo will be reaching Bangladesh on September 2. Shakib, now holidaying in the USA, is set to return to Bangladesh by the end of this month. Under the watchful eyes of Nazmul Abedin Faheem and Mohammad Salahuddin he will train at the BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan), which is country's largest sporting institute

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (August 23, 2020):-Kallis is the fourth South African player inducted and Zaheer the sixth from Pakistan. Lisa is the 27th from Australia and the ninth woman player in the list, which includes five from Australia. In all, 93 players have been inducted so far under the system, which sees retired players become eligible five years after playing their last international match. Former ICC Cricket Hall of Famers formed the majority of the adjudicating panel with representation from the media, ICC and Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA). ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: “It is always a pleasure to announce the latest set of inductees into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. These are all players with a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations for years to come. I congratulate Zaheer, Jacques and Lisa on their inclusion in the pantheon of cricket greats.” Jacques Kallis: “It’s a great honour to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. It is something that I never expected when I started playing. I certainly did not play the game for any accolades or anything like that, I only wanted to win the games for whoever I was playing for. “But it is nice to be recognised when one has succeeded in the sport, it is nice to be recognised by people for something that you have achieved in the game, something that I am really proud of.” Lisa Sthalekar: “I am deeply humbled to receive this honour. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I would ever get to join such an illustrious group of players. “I was fortunate enough to learn from the best when I entered the Australia team – Belinda Clark, Karen Rolton and Cathryn Fitzpatrick, all of whom have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and rightly so. The guidance from them and other teammates along the way kept me focused but also ensured that it was a fun environment. Thanks to all my teammates. “It goes without saying that if it wasn’t for the support of my family, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have.” Zaheer Abbas: “I feel privileged and truly humbled to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame of the class of 2020. I am excited to be in the midst of other illustrious cricketers. “I would like to say a special thanks to my family, my country Pakistan, my county Gloucestershire and many fans worldwide who helped me achieve and fulfil my dreams by playing this great game at the highest level. Thank you, ICC, and the members of the jury, for this special honour. It is a final recognition for any cricketer. “This great game has made me the person I am. Thank you cricket.” Some career highlights of the latest inductees Jacques Kallis The only player to score at least 10,000 runs and take at least 250 wickets in both Test and ODI cricket ICC Player of the Year and ICC Test Player of the year in 2005 South Africa’s leading Test run-scorer, and currently third on the all-time list The most capped South African player in both Test and ODI cricket Scored 113 not out in the semi-final and took 5-30 in the final as South Africa won the first ICC Knockout Tournament (later the ICC Champions Trophy) in 1998 Won 23 ‘Player of the Match’ awards in Test cricket, more than anyone else Spent 592 days as the No.1 ranked Test batsman (2005-2011) Spent 4028 days as the No.1 ranked Test all-rounder (2000-2013) and a record 493 matches ranked number 1 Lisa Sthalekar Over the course of her career, topped both ODI batting and bowling rankings The first woman to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODI cricket Spent 934 days as the No.1 ranked ODI all-rounder (2007-2010) Part of the Australia teams that won the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2005 and 2013 and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2010 and 2012 She won 12 Women’s National Cricket League titles with New South Wales, and was captain for five victories in a row Short-listed for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in both 2007 and 2008 and for ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year in 2012 Zaheer Abbas The only player from Asia to have scored at least a 100 first-class hundreds Became just the second player to score his hundredth first-class century in a Test Match He scored two centuries in the same first-class match on a record eight occasions On a record four occasions he scored a double-century and a century in the same first-class match The first player to score three successive centuries in ODI cricket Spent 215 days as the No.1 ranked ODI batsman (1983-1984) Captained Pakistan in 14 Test Matches, and only lost one of them Later served as an ICC Match Referee and as ICC President  

SB REPORT ISLAMABAD (August 23, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday congratulated Zaheer Abbas on his inclusion into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, making him only the sixth Pakistan cricketer to join the exclusive company of 93 cricketers. Zaheer has been selected by a voting academy made up of current ICC Hall of Famers and prominent journalists, and joins compatriots Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram (all 2009) and Waqar Younis (2013). The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame includes 27 Australia cricketers, 28 England players, six India cricketers, three from New Zealand, four from South Africa, one Sri Lankan and 18 players from the West Indies. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani: “It is a matter of great honour and pride for Pakistan that Zaheer Abbas’s outstanding career achievements have been acknowledged by the game’s governing body. Thus, it gives me immense pleasure to congratulate Zed on behalf of millions of Pakistan cricket fans across the world for this recognition.” “It is appropriate that Zaheer be inducted into the elite group exactly 46 years after his magnificent 240 against England at The Oval in his 15th Test, which was his second double-century following the famous 274 at Edgbaston in 1971 in only his second Test. He would go on to score 235 not out and 215 against India (1978 and 1982) and every innings was a treat to watch and matched the other. “I am sure all those who watched Zaheer live in action will agree that when he batted, it was like a poetry in motion. It was his immaculate footwork backed up by superlative wrist work with an ability to consistently bisect the field that not only made him a run-machine but also one of the most attractive and graceful batsmen ever to grace this great game. “Zaheer had a huge positive impact on Pakistan cricket. After he had established himself as a household name in every cricket playing country, the younger generation fell in love with the sport and consequently, we produced a battery of champion world-class batsmen such as Javed Miandad, Mudassar Nazar, Mohsin Khan, Saleem Malik, Ramiz Raja, Ijaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Aamir Sohail, Saeed Anwar, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam. “Zaheer’s contributions to cricket were beyond the field of play when as an administrator, he served the PCB and the ICC with respect and dignity. He richly deserves this recognition from the ICC, which hopefully will further inspire next generation of Pakistan cricketers.”

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (August 20, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (Thursday) announced coaches for the National High Performance Centre and six Cricket Associations for the 2020-21 domestic cricket season following a comprehensive performance review. The list of coaches is headed by Pakistan’s fourth highest Test run-getter and second most runs scorer in ODIs, Mohammad Yousuf, who has been appointed as the batting coach at the National High Performance Centre (NHPC) in Lahore. Yousuf scored 7,530 Test and 9,720 ODI runs in a career spanning from 1998 to 2010. Joining Yousuf at the NHPC is former wicketkeeper Atiq-uz-Zaman and tear away fast bowler Mohammad Zahid. Atiq played a Test, three ODIs and 69 first-class matches from 1996 to 2007 and broke a longstanding record for the highest number of dismissals in a season in 2000-01 with 76 victims, while Zahid played five Tests, 11 ODIs and 43 first-class matches before a back injury cut short his promising career. Zahid is the only Pakistan bowler to take 10 or more wickets on Test debut. With Mushtaq Ahmed already working as spin bowling consultant, the NHPC is now fully loaded with experienced coaches to hone the skill and talent of promising young cricketers and prepare them for challenges at the highest level. Furthermore, these four coaches will also support and supplement the national teams’ player support personnel to help the elite cricketers continually improve their skills and prepare appropriately for success at international level. Mohammad Yousuf, former Pakistan captain: “My ambitions in making a career in coaching are an open secret but it was all about the timing and a proper roadmap for our future cricket in which I could contribute effectively. I believe this is the right time for me to start my second innings as I can sense the intent and optimism in the approach. “I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity and I firmly believe I can help young cricketers by transferring my knowledge and experience, which I have acquired after being part of one of the brightest and formidable eras of Pakistan cricket. “This will be an exciting and challenging task but I am up for it and look forward to making a meaningful contribution.” The PCB has also confirmed 36 coaches for the six Cricket Associations, which will feature in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (four-day first-class and three-day non first-class), National T20 Cup (first and second XIs), Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament (first and second XIs) and the National U19 cricket tournament (three-day and one-day). The performance review and recruitment process, which included survey, self- assessment, 360-assessment, panel interview and application process, was carried out by Grant Bradburn (Head of High Performance Coaching), Saqlain Mushtaq (Head of International Player Development) and Shahid Aslam (National Men’s Team Assistant). They submitted their recommendations to Director – High Performance, which were subsequently approved by the Chief Executive. Members of the PCB Cricket Committee were kept abreast of the process and developments. International stars added to the coaching panel are: Abdul Razzaq (46 Tests, 265 ODIs and 32 T20Is), Aizaz Cheema (seven Tests 14 ODIs and five T20Is), Basit Ali (19 Tests and 50 ODIs), Faisal Iqbal (26 Tests, 18 ODIs), Ghulam Ali (three ODIs and 167 first-class matches), Humayun Farhat (one Test and five ODIs), Irfan Fazil (one Test, one ODI) and Zafar Iqbal (eight ODIs). Besides these international cricketers, seven other former first-class cricketers will make their coaching debuts in the upcoming domestic season. They are: Aftab Khan, Aslam Qureshi, Fahad Masood, Habib Baloch, Hafiz Majid Jahangir, Hanif Malik, and Mohammad Sadiq. The coaches, who have been retained for the 2020-21 season, are: Abdul Rehman, Akram Raza, Bilal Ahmed, Fahad Akram, Hussain Khosa, Iqbal Imam, Kamran Khan, Mazhar Dinari, Mohammad Masroor, Mohammad Wasim, Rafatullah Mohmand, Saeed Anwar Junior, Sajjad Akbar, Samiullah Niazi, Saqib Faqir, Shahid Anwar, Shoaib Khan, Tahir Mahmood, Tanvir Shaukat, Wasim Haider and Zahoor Elahi. The coaches, whose contracts will not be renewed for the 2020-21 season, are: Arshad Khan, Raj Hans (both Balochistan), Ijaz Ahmed Junior, Naveed Anjum (both Central Punjab), Kabir Khan, Sajid Shah (both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Manzoor Elahi and Tahir Mahmood (both Northern), Azam Khan, Tauseef Ahmed, Shaukat Mirza (all Sindh) and Javed Hayat (Southern Punjab). Other changes in the NHPC coaching panel are: Abdul Majeed and Mansoor Rana (transferred to International Cricket department as fielding coach and team manager of the men’s national cricket team, respectively), Mohsin Kamal (released) and Mohtashim Rasheed (transferred as player support personnel with the Pakistan U19 cricket team). Saqlain Mushtaq, Head of International Player Development: “It has been a rigorous 360-degree review and recruitment process, and in the end, I am happy that we have been able to attract some of the very best ex-international and domestic performers strictly on merit of their coaching ability. I am convinced they will contribute selflessly in making our 2020-21 domestic season stronger and more competitive. “We have listened to our players and aim to provide a balance of the coaching they want and the coaching they need to take Pakistan to the top of world cricket. “We have been very conscious of coaching combinations, appointing where possible a blend of skill sets within each association, with succession planning also a strong consideration. “A number of newly-appointed coaches are known for playing an aggressive brand of positive cricket, and I hope they will induce the same spirit in their sides as we remain committed to closing the gap between our domestic cricket and international cricket.” Nadeem Khan, Director – High Performance: “I welcome all the new coaches who will be supported and trained to deliver the coaching our players require for success on the international stage. Our coaches will be respected leaders, hold strong relationships, be quality communicators and expert at creating winning plus learning environments. “I also want to thank all the outgoing coaches for their contributions and urge them to remain involved with this great game as the PCB is optimistic there will be future opportunities in the game, both as coaches and consultants. “When the PCB had launched the revamped domestic structure last year on 29 August, it had announced it was an evolving process and changes will be made to further strengthen the structure. Due to paucity of time last season, the coaches couldn’t be appointed through a review, analysis and recruitment process, which we have corrected this year.” National Men’s Selection Committee reshuffled Following changes of first XI head coaches, there has been a reshuffle in the men’s national selection committee. Abdul Razzaq (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Basit Ali (Sindh), Faisal Iqbal (Balochistan) and Shahid Anwar (Central Punjab) will now join Abdur Rehman (Southern Punjab) and Mohammad Wasim (Northern) in Misbah-ul-Haq’s men’s national selection panel. National High Performance Centre coaches Atiq-uz-Zaman (fielding/wicket-keeping coach), Mohammad Yousuf (batting consultant/coach) and Mohammad Zahid (fast bowling coach). Mushtaq Ahmed (spin bowling consultant/coach, retained) Cricket Association coaches (2020-21 domestic season) Balochistan First XI – Faisal Iqbal (coach), Wasim Haider (assistant coach) Second XI – Habib Baloch (coach), Shoaib Khan (assistant coach) Under-19 – Hussain Khosa (coach), Mazhar Dinari (assistant coach) Central Punjab First XI – Shahid Anwar (coach), Samiullah Niazi (assistant coach) Second XI – Akram Raza (coach), Humayun Farhat (assistant coach) Under-19 – Tanvir Shaukat (coach), Irfan Fazil (assistant coach) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa First XI – Abdul Razzaq (coach), Aftab Khan (assistant coach) Second XI – Rafatullah Mohmand (coach), Aslam Qureshi (assistant coach) Under-19 – Saqib Faqir (coach), Mohammad Sadiq (assistant coach) Northern First XI – Mohammad Wasim (coach), Mohammad Masroor (assistant coach) Second XI – Fahad Masood (coach), Saeed Anwar Junior (assistant coach) Under-19 – Bilal Ahmed (coach), Fahad Akram (assistant coach) Sindh First XI – Basit Ali (coach), Iqbal Imam (assistant coach) Second XI – Ghulam Ali (coach), Zafar Iqbal (assistant coach) Under-19 – Tahir Mahmood (coach), Hanif Malik (assistant coach) Southern Punjab First XI – Abdul Rehman (coach), Aizaz Cheema (assistant coach) Second XI – Sajjad Akbar (coach), Zahoor Elahi (assistant coach) Under-19 – Kamran Khan (coach), Hafiz Majid Jahangir (assistant coach)

SB REPORT ISLAMABAD (August 18, 2020):-England National Selectors have named a 14-strong squad for the men’s three Vitality IT20s against Pakistan starting on Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford. The three-match series will be played behind closed doors, in a bio-secure environment at the Manchester venue. England Men’s IT20 Squad: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Sam Billings (Kent), Tom Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire). Reserves: Pat Brown (Worcestershire), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey). Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said: “In this crowded international summer, players who are currently in the Test match bio-secure bubble for the Pakistan Test series are not included in this squad. (The IT20s begin three days after the scheduled last day of the final Test). We want to give multi-format players some opportunity to rest and refresh, while still selecting strong squads for every series. We will announce the squad for the Australia T20 series at a later date.” The England and Wales Cricket Board have also confirmed the coaching team for the Vitality IT20s against Pakistan. England assistant coach Graham Thorpe will assume the head coach role for the three-match series. He will be supported by assistant coach Paul Collingwood. Marcus Trescothick, who has been seconded from Somerset, has been appointed batting coach. England Young Lions coach Jon Lewis will be the bowling coach and is supported by former Pakistan international and bowling coach Azhar Mahmood. Former Essex wicketkeeper James Foster will take responsibility for the wicketkeepers. Schedule (T-20):- 1st IT20 v Pakistan: Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20 v Pakistan: Sunday 30 August at Emirates Old Trafford (2.00pm start) 3rd IT20 v Pakistan: Tuesday 1 September at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start)

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (August 14, 2020):-The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today announced that Hampshire’s The Ageas Bowl and Lancashire’s Emirates Old Trafford will host England Men’s white-ball international matches behind closed doors later this summer against Australia. The Australian squad will arrive into the UK on 24 August, travelling to Derbyshire’s The Incora County Ground before transferring to The Ageas Bowl after England’s third Test match against Pakistan on 27 August. Australia will play a 50-over intra-squad practice game and three T20 practice matches before the start of the three-match Vitality IT20 series against England commencing on 4 September at The Ageas Bowl. The Southampton venue will host all three Vitality IT20s including matches on Sunday 6 September and Tuesday 8 September. The three Royal London Internationals will take place at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday 11 September, Sunday 13 September and the final match of the tour on Wednesday 16 September. The three ODIs will form part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff and administrators of Cricket Australia for their efforts in getting this tour underway. Their co-operation to ensure these matches are staged is crucial to cricket in this country. It will also provide much-needed financial aid at all levels of cricket in England and Wales as we work through the challenges in front of us. “The rivalry between England and Australia is the pinnacle of sporting competition. The Vitality IT20s and the Royal London Series will be thrilling contests and a perfect way to culminate the men’s international season in this extraordinary summer. “I want to congratulate my colleagues at the ECB and the various bio-secure venues working tirelessly in unprecedented circumstances, as we work to ensure that all England men’s international fixtures are fulfilled during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In total, 18 international fixtures including six Test matches, six IT20s and six ODIs have been organised across two bio-secure venues, Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford, which is testament to our efficient planning both from an operational and medical point of view. I’m very proud of what our game has achieved, and that cricket is seen as the standard-bearers in developing bio-secure sporting events to the highest of standards.” Cricket Australia interim Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hockley, added: “We are very excited to be heading to England and to get back into the international fray. We congratulate the ECB on leading the resumption of the game in a way that places the health and safety of players and staff at its core. “We would also like to thank the Australian Government for granting travel exemptions for the Australian men’s team, as well as all those who have worked tirelessly to put together a plan that allows for the tour to progress in a bio-secure way.” Schedule (T20): 1st IT20 v Australia: Friday 4 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20 v Australia: Sunday 6 September The Ageas Bowl (2.00pm start) 3rd IT20 v Australia: Tuesday 8 September The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start) Royal London Series: 1st ODI v Australia: Friday 11 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start) 2nd ODI v Australia: Sunday 13 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start) 3rd ODI v Australia: Wednesday 16 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start)