England take on Ireland and Pakistan before Ashes series against Australia
Pakistan ODI series to be England's warm-up for 2019 World Cup
Thursday 19 July 2018 13:38, UK
England's 2019 summer schedule includes a first Test match against Ireland, before hosting Australia in the Ashes.
A busy year has been planned for England, who will prepare for the 2019 World Cup (May 30 - July 14) with a one-day international series against Pakistan in the weeks before.
Following the tournament, England will play a one-off Test match against Ireland. The four-day contest will begin on July 24.
The England and Wales Cricket board have described the season as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity", culminating in the home Ashes series which takes place from August to September.
All Ashes Test venues will have a public ballot for tickets for the first time.
"There is nothing more important to England cricket fans than an Ashes Series," said ECB chief executive Tom Harrison.
"With the added element of being England's first Test series in the new World Test Championship, it's a hugely exciting prospect and we anticipate unprecedented demand for tickets.
"We would love to see fans from all over the world getting to experience the unique atmosphere of an Ashes Test Match after the ICC Cricket World Cup.
"We fully supported the ICC's decision to award Full Membership to Cricket Ireland and we expect next summer's inaugural Test Match at Lord's against our neighbours to be an historic celebration for all Irish cricket fans.
"It will also provide excellent Ashes preparation for England against an Irish team whose impressive performance against Pakistan earlier this year showed they can compete strongly in this form of the game."
