England's Test Match Itinerary Throughout the Rest of 2024

The recent T20 World Cup put cricket back on centre stage in the sporting world. The contest in the USA and the Caribbean was won by India, who claimed their first major trophy since 2011, dispelling the memory of their shocking defeat to Australia on home turf in the 50-over World Cup final late last year. But while it was the Men In Blue that ultimately emerged victorious, another team that returned to form was England.

The English were the double world champions about 18 months ago, but they lost their Cricket World Cup crown with a whimper and they were expected to do the same this summer. However, despite the low expectations, Jos Buttler and Co. managed to reach the semifinals of the tournament, progressing further than the likes of Pakistan and arch-rivals Australia in the process.

However, with their short format responsibilities now complete, attention turns to the English cricketing summer and a stacked schedule. Here is who they will face over the next few months, and what we can expect to see when test match cricket takes centre stage.

West Indies

England's recent T20 World Cup campaign saw them eliminate the West Indies with an eight-wicket victory in Saint Lucia at the Super Eights stage. Now, the Carribean outfit has the chance for revenge as they head across the pond for three test series. The first contest begins on July 10th at the home of cricket - Lord's - before further clashes at Trent Bridge and finally Edgbaston. The latest sports betting odds make the hosts a +250 underdog for next year's Ashes Series, but you would expect them to be heavy favourites for this particular series, despite the fact that the odds haven't yet been posted.

The Windies are one of the most storied teams in the history of the sport, with names such as Brian Lara and Viv Richards synonymous with the gentleman's game. Nowadays, they have a mix of experienced campaigners and young talents. Former captain Jason Holder remains a linchpin with both bat and ball, while paceman Kemar Roach continues to lead the attack with his lethal pace and bounce.

The Carribean outfit has shown a resurgence in their Test performances over the past year, securing notable victories against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, demonstrating their ability to compete on foreign soil. However, facing England in their backyard will be a much sterner test of their mettle. The 1984 "Blackwash" series between the two nations is one that still resonates today, where the tourists whitewashed England 5-0 on English soil, and a similar result this summer would certainly be gobsmacking.

Sri Lanka

Following the West Indies series, England will host Sri Lanka for another three-test series in late August and early September. But while both the hosts and the aforementioned Windies shone at the recent T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka most certainly did not. They were eliminated in the first round after losing to both South Africa and lowly Bangladesh. And her standing in the longest format of the game isn't much better.

Gone are the days of icons such as Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, and the Sri Lankans have only played four test series throughout the current World Test Championship season. However, despite that, they find themselves in fourth place with two wins and two losses. England, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the rankings after winning just three of the ten series they have played over the last 18 months.

They will be hoping to get a crucial victory under their belt to round out their cricketing summer, with the two sides facing off at Old Trafford, Lord's, and finally The Oval. The tourists continue to rely heavily on the experience of Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews. Spinner Praveen Jayawickrama, who has burst onto the scene with impressive performances, will be one to watch, especially on English pitches that may offer a turn.

New Zealand

2024 is not an Ashes year and as such, England will head to Australia's neighbours New Zealand to conclude her 2024 Test commitments with a challenging series against the Kiwis. The contests will be played in Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton, offering a stern examination of the visitors' adaptability and skills in overseas conditions. Those stadiums haven’t been a happy hunting ground in recent years and the hosts will be hoping to build on their current third place in the World Test Championship Standings.

No team has defeated the Kiwis in a test series in the last year and a half, with them winning three and drawing the other three. They won the inaugural world championship back in 2021 and they will be aiming to add a second notch to their belt next summer. Captain Kane Williamson is one of the best batsmen of the modern era and he will spearhead a batting lineup that's perhaps the most feared on the planet. Add to that the prowess of Tim Southee, with his exceptional swing bowling, and it's clear that Ben Stokes and Co. are in for a significant test later this year.