Aussies to warm up for Ashes with Afghanistan Test

SYDNEY: Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday announced schedule for five-Test Ashes series which will begin on December 8 with the first Test in Brisbane.

In addition to Ashes, the Australian men's team will play Afghanistan for the first time in Test cricket in a one-off Test at Bellerive Oval in Hobart from November 27.

The Australian summer will comprise nine ODI and T20 matches against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, while the Australian women's team will host India at the start of the summer.

"The Australian men's team will begin its Ashes series defence at the Gabba from December 8-12 ahead of a day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval from December 16-20. The traditional Boxing Day and New Years' Tests will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30) and Sydney Cricket Ground (January 5-9) respectively, with the final Test scheduled for Perth's Optus Stadium (January 14-18)," said a statement from CA.

"Preceding the Ashes will be a historic first Test match against the Afghanistan men's team at Blundstone Arena (Bellerive Oval) on November 27," added the statement.

"The conclusion of the men's Test program will usher in the arrival of the New Zealand and Sri Lankan white ball squads, who will play a combined three ODIs and six T20Is against Australia as teams finalise their preparation for the coveted ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, scheduled to begin in October, 2022," it said further.

India women are also expected to play a series, the details of which will be worked out later. IANS

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