England will face New Zealand in three Tests followed by a four-Test series against South Africa in 2008.

The Tests against the Kiwis will take place at Lord’s, Old Trafford and Trent Bridge, followed by a Twenty20 game and five one-day international matches.

Lord’s, Headingley, Edgbaston and The Oval will host the Proteas Tests, with Edgbaston starting on a Wednesday, before a similar one-day programme.

Bristol and Cardiff will host ODIs but there is no game for the Rose Bowl.

John Carr, director of England Cricket, said: “One of the scheduling parameters we had to deal with was that the 2008 season has to end in early September to enable both England and South Africa the opportunity to travel to the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

“The 2008 season will include a Wednesday start as well as four Thursday starts and two Friday starts for npower Test matches. In a busy summer we feel that this sequence gives the players the maximum opportunity for rest and recuperation.”

The third Test against South Africa at Edgbaston will start on Wednesday, 30 July.

England have a good home record in Tests against South Africa (only nine defeats in 57 games) and New Zealand (four losses in 47 matches).

Test match dates
First Test match, Seddon Park, Hamilton 5th – 9th March

Second Test match, Basin Reserve, Wellington 13th – 17th March

Third Test match, McLean Park, Napier 22nd – 26th March