INTERNATIONAL cricket will be returning to Emirates Riverside next summer after the ECB announced that Durham’s home ground will stage the opening match of a one-day series against South Africa.

England will take on South Africa in Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, July 19 in the first installment of the three-match Royal London Series.

“We have had sell-out crowds for the last eight internationals in Durham, with last year’s game selling out in record time despite the threat of Covid cancellations,” said Durham chief executive Tim Bostock. “Cricket is embedded in the communities of the North East and our members and fans continue to astound us with their support of the club and appetite for international cricket.

“It’s fantastic to bring world-class cricket to the region again in 2022, and we hope it will help grow the sport and deliver a fantastic summer’s day out for everyone to look forward to.”

Tickets for the game start at £55 for adults and £10 for juniors, and a ticket refund promise scheme will be in place, guaranteeing a full refund should the fixture be cancelled or moved because of issues relating to Covid.

Tickets go on general sale from Tuesday, October 19, but there are a number of priority windows available to supporters and anyone interested in attending is being encouraged to sign up for the ballot scheme. Durham Cricket members will receive priority access to tickets and £5 off with their 2022 membership.

England will start their 2022 home summer schedule with a three-Test series against New Zealand, with the third Test scheduled to take place at Emerald Headingley between June 23-27.

India are the opponents for three ODIs and three T20 internationals at the start of July, before England welcome South Africa for the ODI series that starts at Chester-le-Street. The third and final game of the series is at Headingley on July 24.

A three-games T20 series against South Africa follows the ODI, before the summer schedule concludes with a three-Test series, also against South Africa.

“It has been a scintillating summer of cricket and so good to see crowds back packing out venues later this summer,” said ECB chief executive Tom Harrison. “I am pleased to be able to confirm three high-quality men’s international touring teams for 2022."