Edgbaston to host third Test of 2015 Ashes

Edgbaston were today handed a massive boost after being awarded the third Ashes Test next year.

After missing out on an Ashes five-dayer last year, members of the Birmingham club were breathing a sigh of relief today.

With the Bears still facing hefty annual repayments on their debt to the city council, the club needed this financial shot in the arm.

"Edgbaston has a proud history of hosting Ashes Tests, including the Botham-inspired 29-run victory in 1981 and the 'Greatest Ever Test' of 2005 where Freddie Flintoff helped England to a two-run victory," said Warwickshire chief executive Colin Povey.

"Since our last Ashes Test in 2009 we have transformed Edgbaston into one of the leading sports stadia in the country."

Edgbaston will also host a one-day international against New Zealand next year – a day/nighter on June 9. The opening game of the Ashes series begins, as it did in 2009, at Cardiff's Swalec stadium in July 2015.

England are bidding to win a fourth successive home series, having lost the last one 5-0 in Australia.