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England face Australia and Afghanistan in Cricket World Cup warm-ups

England begin World Cup campaign against South Africa on May 30

Friday 1 February 2019 00:08, UK

during the 3rd One Day International match between Sri Lanka and England at Pallekele Cricket Stadium on October 17, 2018 in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Image: Eoin Morgan is aiming to lead England to their first 50-over World Cup title this summer

England will play warm-up games against Australia and Afghanistan ahead of the Cricket World Cup on home soil.

Eoin Morgan's men will meet defending champions Australia at the Ageas Bowl on Saturday, May 25 before they face Afghanistan at The Oval on Monday, May 27.

England will return to The Oval on Thursday, May 30 for their World Cup opener against South Africa, as they begin their bid for a maiden global 50-over title, having lost in the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals.

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Former Australia captain Steve Smith is hoping to return to international cricket in time for the 2019 World Cup, but is braced for a hostile reception.

All 10 sides in the World Cup - England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Windies and Afghanistan - will play two warm-ups apiece ahead of the World Cup, between May 24 and 28.

Australia's second warm-up will also be at the Ageas Bowl as they meet Sri Lanka on Monday, May 27, while India will face New Zealand at the same venue on Saturday, May 25 and Bangladesh in Cardiff on Tuesday, May 28.

"It is always a huge milestone announcing an exciting warm-up schedule for the World Cup as it really highlights just how close we are to the action getting under way this summer," said ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 managing director Steve Elworthy.

"These games provide another fantastic opportunity for fans to see world-class players at their local venue and allows the tournament to engage local schools and communities with another chance to get involved with the Cricket World Cup."

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The ECB's new managing director Ashley Giles describes Jofra Archer as an 'exciting cricketer' who could challenge for a place in England's World Cup squad.

Friday, May 24

Pakistan vs Afghanistan, Bristol
Sri Lanka vs South Africa, Cardiff

Saturday, May 25

England vs Australia, Southampton
India vs New Zealand, London

Sunday, May 26

South Africa vs West Indies, Bristol
Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Cardiff

Monday, May 27

Australia vs Sri Lanka, Southampton
England vs Afghanistan, London

Tuesday, May 28

West Indies vs New Zealand, Bristol
Bangladesh vs India, Cardiff

Watch the ICC Cricket World Cup live on Sky Sports Cricket this summer.

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