TEST cricket will return to the North-East next summer after Emirates Durham ICG was selected to stage the second Test of a three-match series against Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankans will head to Chester-le-Street for the middle game of their Test series between Friday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 31.

The game will be the only international staged in the North-East next year, and mark Test cricket's return to the North-East after a three-year absence.

The last Test to be staged at Riverside was the game against Australia in 2013 that saw England claim the Ashes.

Next year's Sri Lankan tour will start with the first Test at Headingley between May 19-23, and finish with a third Test at Lord's between June 9-13.

England will then play two One-Day Internationals with Ireland before embarking on a five match ODI series with Sri Lanka that will feature games at Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Bristol, The Oval and Cardiff.

There will be one Twenty20 match against Sri Lanka before the second half of the summer sees England take on Pakistan.

The two sides meet in the UAE this winter, and will lock horns again next year for a four-match Test series encompassing games at Lord's, Old Trafford, Edgbaston and The Oval.

That will be followed by a five-game ODI series, with the fourth match scheduled for Headingley on Thursday, September 1.

ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison said: "Alastair Cook was absolutely right to acknowledge the contribution of England’s fans to our Ashes success.

"They have been unwavering in their support this summer and we would urge as many as possible to return to our international venues next summer – and get behind  our men’s and women’s teams in large numbers once again.

"Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka will also attract strong support from their own communities in this country which all adds up to another exciting summer of international action played in front of packed houses for all three formats of the game."

  • Tickets for the Sri Lanka Test at Chester-le-Street will go on general sale on Wednesday, September 16.

Early Bird prices will be available from September 16 until Christmas 2015. Day 1 – 3: Early bird prices start from £30 adult and from £5 per junior. Day 4: £25 adult and £5 junior.

From September 16, please contact the Box Office on 0844 499 4466 or visit www.durhamccc.co.uk