England will play six World Test Championship matches next summer, three each against West Indies and Pakistan. They will also play six ODIs and six T20Is, against four different international teams in all.

The 2020 summer starts with the visit of West Indies for a three-Test series, starting at The Oval, before moving on to Edgbaston and Lord’s. Australia then visit for a three-match T20I series – significant match practice ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 later that year – and an ODI series, consisting of three matches.

There’s a tantalising series against Pakistan thereafter – Pakistan have won three of their last six Tests in England – and the two teams will clash in three Tests, at Lord’s, Old Trafford and Trent Bridge.

“The ICC World Test Championship will add significance and context to the Test series against West Indies and Pakistan,” said Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive. “Where every Test matters, there will be lots of points to play for as England continue their efforts to reach the inaugural World Test Championship final in June 2021.”

The Pakistan visit will also feature three T20Is, and it offers England a chance to test their skills against the No.1 side in format, ahead of the T20 World Cup. The summer will be rounded off with a three-match ODI series against Ireland.

“Alongside the red-ball matches, England’s ODI contests against Australia and Ireland will see the world champions return to home soil with big crowds expected at all venues,” said Harrison.