TAUNTON will be welcoming six of the 10 teams competing in next summer's ICC Cricket World Cup.

The schedule, released today (Thursday), has revealed the three fixtures at the County Ground are:

  • Afghanistan v New Zealand - Saturday, June 8 (day/night)
  • Australia v Pakistan - Wednesday, June 12
  • West Indies v Bangladesh - Monday, June 17.

England are playing at nine of the 11 host venues, with Taunton and Bristol the only two to miss out.

Ticket price information is as follows:

• 80,000+ tickets at £20 (over half of the group stage matches)
• 200,000+ tickets at £50 or less
• Child tickets at every match, starting from £6
• Family of four for £52

Taunton hosted seven matches in last year’s ICC Women’s World Cup, which was won by England in a dramatic final at Lord’s thanks to a standout display by Somerset’s Anya Shrubsole.

Somerset County Cricket Club CEO Andrew Cornish said: “Somerset County Cricket Club are honoured to be a host venue for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

"Today’s announcement of the finalised fixtures brings in to sharp focus exactly what cricket fans can expect to enjoy in June next year.

“To open our fixtures with a day/night game will be outstanding. An international match under lights featuring the team who finished as runners up in the last tournament is the perfect way for us to showcase what Taunton has to offer.

“To be able to follow that fixture with a clash between the current world champions and the Champions Trophy holders is a genuine feather in the cap for us.

“Given our links to the West Indies over the years, I am sure that their visit will also prove to be hugely popular with cricket fans in the region and, of course, further afield.

“We saw in 2017 with our IT20 that the appetite for International cricket here in the South West is enormous.

"That match proved to be of huge benefit to the local economy as a whole and it is excellent news for the whole region that these matches will be held in Taunton next summer.

“I am in no doubt that these matches will be hugely memorable for everyone who attends, and we are delighted to be part of what promises to be a genuine festival of cricket.”

Cllr Mark Edwards, Deputy Leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: “It’s brilliant to be part of all the cricket celebrations for next year’s Cricket World Cup.

"Sports fans can be assured of a very warm welcome and we hope they enjoy visiting this beautiful part of the world. The cricket ground itself is in the heart of the town – a wonderful setting for a world competition.”