The England and Wales Cricket Board have announced the dates and venues for next year's Ashes Tests.

England will begin their 2013 defence of the famous rivalry with back-to-back Tests at Trent Bridge and Lord's in July.

Australia will play a Test at Durham's Chester-le-Street ground for the first time in the fourth match of the series.

The third match will see Test cricket return to Old Trafford for the first time since 2010, while the series will conclude at the traditional venue of the The Oval.

The ECB also revealed the details for the visit of New Zealand earlier in the summer and the itinerary for the ICC Champions Trophy.

David Collier, the ECB's chief executive, said: "The prospect of England defending the Ashes on home soil, the world's top eight teams competing in the ICC Champions Trophy, and a full programme of 50-over and T20 international cricket will provide rich pickings for cricket fans next summer.

"Last season's international programme attracted a record aggregate attendance of more than 850,000 spectators and we would urge all fans to purchase their international tickets early for 2013 to avoid missing out on what promises to be a memorable summer."

The next Ashes in Australia will take place over the winter of 2013-14 to avoid a clash with the 2015 World Cup, which will be held in Australia.