England to play three Tests on NZ tour

Wellington: England will play three tests, three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals on their tour to New Zealand starting next February.

The February 4 to March 26 tour will include the first Test played at Auckland's Eden Park since 2006. But New Zealand Cricket said it had been unable to schedule a match in earthquake-hit Christchurch because of the lack of a suitable venue.

The tour will begin with two T20 warm-up matches against a New Zealand XI at Whangarei before T20 internationals at Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington on February 9, 12 and 15. The one-day internationals will be played at Hamilton, Napier and Auckland and the Test matches at Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland.

The tour will also include three Twenty20s and three one-day internationals between the two nations.

"We felt the England tour presented a good opportunity to allocate a match to our largest city," New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said. "An inbound England tour brings in a large number of supporters who create a wonderful atmosphere and we are sure the people of Auckland will turn out in force to see two quality teams in what promises to be a fantastic occasion."

With Christchurch unable to host a game, Dunedin took over as the South Island's Test venue. It will be the first time England had played a Test in Dunedin since 1966.

ITINERARY:

Feb 4: vs New Zealand XI, T20 warm-up, Whangarei.

Feb 6: vs New Zealand XI, T20 warm-up, Whangarei.

Feb 9: First Twenty20 international, Auckland.

Feb 12: Second Twenty20 international, Hamilton.

Feb 15: Third Twenty20 international, Wellington.

Feb 17: First ODI, Hamilton.

Feb 20: Second ODI, Napier.

Feb 23: Third ODI, Auckland.

Feb 27-March 2: vs New Zealand XI, Queenstown.

March 6-10: First Test, Dunedin.

March 14-18: Second Test, Wellington.