London: England's attempt to regain the Ashes from Australia next year will begin with a first test in the Welsh capital Cardiff, which also hosted the opening match of the series in 2009.
The England and Wales Cricket Board released the Ashes itinerary on Monday, with the north of England missing out on a test as the other four matches will be played at Lord's and The Oval in London and Edgbaston and Trent Bridge in the Midlands.
Australia will play four-day warm-up matches against Kent and Essex before the first test at Sophia Gardens starting July 8. The tourists will also play three-day matches against Derbyshire and Northamptonshire during the series.
Australia regained the Ashes urn at the start of the year with a 5-0 series win at home.
