England’s landmark five-Test series with India

India will play five Tests in England next year for the first time since 1959 but the crammed series will be held over just 42 days.

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced that the First Test will start at Trent Bridge on July 9 while the final contest will begin at The Kia Oval on August 15.

The seven-day gap from the end of the Third Test to the start of the fourth is the longest break between matches. Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl must pass a final inspection before being confirmed as the Third Test venue.

India’s tour will also include a five‑match one-day series and a Twenty20 international.

“This will be the first time England has hosted India in a five-Test series in more than 50 years,” said ECB chief executive David Collier (above). “The length of the series reflects the iconic status which contests between these two great cricketing nations now enjoy.”

England v INDIA 2014:

First Test — Jul 9-13, Trent Bridge; Second Test — Jul 17-21, Lord’s; Third Test — Jul 27-31, Ageas Bowl; Fourth Test — Aug 7-11, Old Trafford; Fifth Test — Aug 15-19, The Kia Oval; 1st ODI — Aug 25, Bristol; 2nd ODI — Aug 27, SWALEC Stadium; 3rd ODI — Aug 30, Trent Bridge; 4th ODI — Sep 2, Edgbaston; 5th ODI — Sep 5, Headingley; T20 — Sep 7, Edgbaston