England Test players could be denied practice next summer over fixture pile-up

Two days could separate Hundred final and Pakistan Test

Packed schedule risks repeat of poor preparation

England’s Test players could be denied any team practice before next summer’s main series against Pakistan because of a congested calendar that will see the first Test at Headingley start two or three days after the Hundred final at Lord’s.

While next year’s Hundred dates have yet to be confirmed, the Guardian has learned that the final is pencilled in for Sunday 16 August, with Monday a reserve day. This would leave England players involved in the final possibly having to travel to Leeds the day before the Test match, which begins on Wednesday 19 August, with no time to practise with their teammates.