Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl to host England v West Indies Test next month

A general view of The Ageas Bowl ground during the Test match between England and India in July 2014. : Picture: IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images

The behind-closed doors matches will take places at Hampshire's Ageas Bowl on July 8, followed by two Tests at Old Trafford beginning on July 16 and July 24 respectively.

The West Indies team, which agreed in principle to take part in the series last week, is scheduled to travel to England on June 9, and will be based at Old Trafford for quarantine and training.

ECB director of events Steve Elworthy said: ‘Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders including players, match officials, operational staff, essential venue staff, broadcasters and media.

‘We are in daily dialogue with Government and our medical team, who have been incredibly supportive during this period. These are our proposed dates and they remain subject to UK Government approval.

‘We would like to thank Cricket West Indies for their co-operation and dedication in making this tour a reality, and we all look forward to the prospect of cricket returning in the coming weeks.’

The series had originally been scheduled to take place this month but had to be postponed due to the coronavirus crisis.

However the government's recent relaxation of lockdown rules is set to enable the first international series since the start of the pandemic.

Venues must adhere to a series of strict guidelines, including the provision of designated isolation areas for anyone presenting symptoms, and medical screening and testing sites.