EDGBASTON Stadium is bringing more international cricket to the West Midlands this summer, with the iconic Birmingham venue being awarded the men’s Test match between England and New Zealand which begins on Thursday, June 10.
Edgbaston will host the second Test of England’s two-match LV= Insurance series against the in-form Black Caps and the ticket ballot is now open for applications until 5pm on Thursday, February 11.
Stuart Cain, Chief Executive of Warwickshire CCC and Edgbaston Stadium, said: “This is a big coup for the West Midlands. Bringing a marquee sporting event to Birmingham as we hopefully start to emerge from COVID is a great opportunity.
“The vaccine programme is really starting to take off, so it would be great if we could be one of the first sporting events in England to welcome crowds back.
“We did a huge amount of work last summer about the safe return of crowds and are committed to building on this and to working with our key stakeholders to provide the safest possible environment for everyone in attendance.
“Having a major Commonwealth nation in the city for five days also gives us a platform to push the Commonwealth Games and we will work with Birmingham City Council and the Games organisers to make sure we maximise the opportunities it presents.”
The announcement takes the programme of Major Match cricket at Edgbaston to seven days in 2021, with the venue also hosting the sold-out England men’s Royal London International versus Pakistan on Tuesday, July 13 and Vitality Blast Finals Day on Saturday, September 18.
With the award of the Test match, Edgbaston will no longer host the IT20 between England and Sri Lanka.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is fantastic news and it would be great to think that, by June, at least some spectators might be allowed in to see two top sides in Test Match action.
“Players and cricket fans love coming to Edgbaston and the city of Birmingham is proud to host such a high profile event.”
The ticket ballot for England’s Test match versus New Zealand is once again expected to be the best way to secure tickets. To apply, simply register online at edgbaston.com.
Donating 2020 Warwickshire members, 2021 members and those who accepted credit from Edgbaston’s cancelled 2020 Major Matches will have the opportunity to beat the ballot by securing their tickets in the priority booking windows.
