Pakistan to play Australia at Lord's and Headingley

LONDON (AFP) - Australia will face Pakistan in two Test matches at Lords's and Headingley in July 2010, the England and Wales Cricket Board revealed on Friday. Ricky Ponting's Australians have not toured Pakistan since 1998 and next year's series has been switched to neutral territory because of the security situation in the Asian country, which was heightened following a terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in March in Lahore. The ECB have adopted the recommendations of the Independent Major Match Group to ensure the maximum number of Pakistan fans can attend the matches. Pakistan will also face Australia in two Twenty20 matches at Edgbaston, while Cardiff will host two Twenty20s matches between Pakistan and England. ECB chairman Giles Clarke said: "I thank Lord Morris of Handsworth and his MMG as well as Gordon Hollins, ECB Head of Venue Partnerships, for the sensible approach they have made to ensure that the largest number of members of the Pakistani ethnic community across Britain can see the neutral Test matches between Pakistan and Australia as well as ensuring a good geographical spread of the matches." Meanwhile, England's Tests against Bangladesh next year will be played at Old Trafford and Lord's.

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