Back-to-back Ashes series in 2013

With the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup causing a scheduling headache for Australia, they are set to play back-to-back Ashes series against England in 2013.

According to a report in 'The Daily Telegraph, "Australia will play 10 back-to-back Ashes Tests in 2013 as a result of hosting the World Cup in 2015 when the return Ashes was meant to be played."

The arrangement is being worked out in the new Future Tours Program which is currently being discussed by the ICC's Executive Board in its five-day meeting in Hong Kong which started yesterday.

"Windows have been made for Twenty20 competitions and 10 consecutive Ashes Tests in the future tours program set to be ratified by the ICC this week.

"Australia would play more long-form cricket than ever before, including back-to-back Ashes series, under the new arrangements, forced by a scheduling problem," the report stated.

Australia also wants to host either England, South Africa or India tour every summer to ensure spectator interest.

"Our focus on the future tours program strategy has been around promoting and protecting the Australian summer," general manager of public affairs Peter Young said.

"We want to make sure we have a major drawcard every summer and we believe that Test cricket is critically important to us and the public."