Details of the Test Matches and One Day Internationals being played during the English summer of 2008 between England and New Zealand and England and South Africa.

The 2008 international cricket season in England will see tours by New Zealand and South Africa.

Early Summer Tour by New Zealand

England will be looking to build upon their recent 2-1 away series win over New Zealand and will play three tests, five one day internationals and one twenty 20 match against the Kiwis.

The experience and class of the recently retired Stephen Fleming will be sorely missed by the visitors, who will be looking to fledgling captain Daniel Vettori to inspire them in what could prove to be a difficult tour for a team currently in transition.

New Zealand Stars in the Indian Premier League

Daniel Vettori is one of five New Zealand players recruited by the newly formed Indian Premier League (IPL).

With the IPL starting on April 18, Vettori, along with Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram and Ross Taylor will arrive in England on May 1, a week after the rest of the touring party. They will miss the first two practice matches against the MCC and Kent, but will be available for the four remaining games prior to the first test at Lords beginning on May 15.

South Africa Could Dominate In One Day Game

Later in the English summer South Africa will arrive to play four test matches, five one day internationals and one twenty 20 contest against their hosts.

In what could be an evenly contested series, Graham Smith’s men will travel with a degree of confidence.

Certainly in the one-day battles, South Africa would seem to hold the stronger hand. England’s record in the short form of the game has been poor for an extended period, and only Kevin Petersen would appear to possess explosive batting potential in a rather one paced line up.

In the test matches, South Africa’s lack of a top quality spinner may prove critical. With the series being played in July and early August, the quality of England’s Monty Panesar may prove pivotal given the relative inexperience of his South African counterpart, Paul Harris.

Andrew Flintoff Return

One factor that could have a bearing on both series in the summer of 2008 is the possible return from injury of England all-rounder, Andrew Flintoff.

If his troublesome ankle can stand the wear and tear of international cricket, the balance Flintoff brings to the England side with his powerful lower order batting and consistently impressive fast bowling cannot be underestimated.

New Zealand Tour Dates

Test Series

May 15 – 19: Lords

May 23 – 27: Old Trafford

June 5 – 9: Trent Bridge

Twenty 20 International

June 13: Old Trafford

One-Day International Series

June 15: Riverside

June 18: Edgbaston

June 21: Bristol

June 25: Brit Oval

June 28: Lords

South Africa Tour Dates

Test Series

July 10 – 14: Lords

July 18 – 22: Headingley

July 30 - Aug 3: Edgbaston

Aug 7 – 11: Brit Oval

Twenty 20 International

Aug 20: Riverside

One-Day Internationals

Aug 22: Headingley (floodlit)

Aug 26: Trent Bridge (floodlit)

Aug 29: Brit Oval

Aug 31: Lords

Sept 3: Cardiff (floodlit)