Cardiff to host opening Test of 2015 Ashes series

The ECB has announced that the first Test of the 2015 Ashes series between England and Australia will take place at Cardiff's SWALEC Stadium.

The opening game of the five-match Test series will begin on July 8, with the second Test beginning at Lord's on July 16.

Birmingham's Edgbaston ground and Trent Bridge in Nottingham will also stage Test matches, while the final Test will commence on August 20 at The Kia Oval.

The SWALEC Stadium hosted the opening Test of the 2009 series, when James Anderson and Monty Panesar helped England to secure an dramatic draw on the final day.

England will be looking to win a fourth consecutive Ashes series on home soil having triumphed in 2009, 2011 and 2013.

Australia completed a 5-0 whitewash when the teams last met during the winter.