Australia will set sail to the British Isles to lock horns against traditional rivals England in 3 T2oIs and many ODIs with the first T20 of their bio-secure white ball tour to be played on September 4, confirmed England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia on Friday. 


While the the Ageas Bowl in Southampton will play host to all the 3 T20 international, slated to be played on September 4, 6 and 8; the ODI leg of the tour will be played at the Old Trafford in Manchester on September 11, 13 and 16. The results of the three ODIs will having a bearing on scoring in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic All the matches will be played behind closed-doors.

Cricket Australia picked three-uncapped players Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams and Riley Meredith in their 21-member squad for the upcoming tour in September.

The Australian squad will arrive land in the United Kingdom on August 24, settling down at the Derbyshire's The Incora County Ground before heading to the Ageas Bowl after England's third Test match against Pakistan on August 27, said the ECB.

Australia will kick-start their preparations for the white ball tour by playing a 50-over intra-squad practice game and three T20 practice matches before the start of the T20I series.

ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: "We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff and administrators of Cricket Australia for their efforts in getting this tour underway."

"Their co-operation to ensure these matches are staged is crucial to cricket in this country. It will also provide much-needed financial aid at all levels of cricket in England and Wales as we work through the challenges in front of us.

"The rivalry between England and Australia is the pinnacle of sporting competition. The T20I series and ODI Series will be thrilling contests and a perfect way to culminate the men's international season in this extraordinary summer.

Australia head coach Justin Langer said: "It's vital for cricket that we do everything we can to keep the game going in these tough times.

"I am delighted with how the players have returned to their states from the break back in March. The whole squad has come back fitter and stronger, which is great testament to each of them.

"We have a massive assignment ahead with World Cups, Test series against India and South Africa and the Ashes next year. We can't wait to get back into it again," he added.

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam