Kent v New Zealand T20 scheduled for St Lawrence Ground in 2013

ECB today announced next summer’s home international schedule, which includes a Kent v New Zealand T20 match at the St Lawrence Ground on Saturday 22nd June 2013.

The full international schedule includes tours by Australia and New Zealand, and the world’s top eight One Day International teams competing in the ICC Champions Trophy.

The Investec Ashes Test series will begin at Trent Bridge in July with Lord’s, Old Trafford, The Kia Oval, and, for the first time, Emirates Durham ICG, also hosting Ashes Test matches later in the summer.

Lord’s will play host to the 1^st Investec Test of the summer against New Zealand, with Headingley Carnegie the venue for the 2^nd Test before the two teams meet again in three NatWest Series One Day Internationals and two NatWest International T20s later in the summer.

Cardiff, Edgbaston and The Oval will be the host venues for the ICC Champions Trophy which will be staged in England for the first time since 2004. Edgbaston will host the final of competition with the other two venues each hosting a semi-final.

ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: “The prospect of England defending the Ashes on home soil, the world’s top eight teams competing in the ICC Champions Trophy, and a full programme of 50-Over and T20 International cricket will provide rich pickings for cricket fans next summer.

“Last season’s international programme attracted a record aggregate attendance of more than 850,000 spectators and we would urge all fans to purchase their international tickets early for 2013 to avoid missing out on what promises to be a memorable summer."

Full New Zealand tour itinerary

Sat 4 – Mon 6 May 3-day v Derbyshire Derby

Thu 9 – Sun 12 May 4-day v England Lions Grace Rd, Leics

Thu 16 – Mon 20 May1^st Investec Test Lord’s

Fri 24 – Tue 28 May 2^nd Investec Test Headingley Carnegie

Fri 31 May 1^st NatWest ODILord’s

Sun 2 June 2^nd NatWest ODI The Ageas Bowl

Wed 5 June 3^rd NatWest ODITrent Bridge (D/N)

Sat 22 JuneT20 warm-up v Kent*Canterbury*

Tue 25 June 1^st NatWest International T20 Kia Oval (d/n)

Thu 27 June 2^nd NatWest International T20 Kia Oval (d/n)

Note – * T20 tour match at Canterbury on 22 June cancelled if NZ in Final of ICC Champions Trophy.

Photo: Sarah Ansell SarahCanterbury.com