With the Ashes now firmly back in English hands, despite the dead rubber 5th Investec Ashes Test at the Kia Oval to come, attention now begins to shift to the limited over series that follows.
England and Australia will lock horns for five Royal London One-Day Internationals and before that a single NatWest International T20 at The SSE SWALEC at the end of this month (31st August).
The limited overs series against New Zealand earlier in the summer was heralded as an unmitigated success for both the England and cricket in general. The home side's aggressive approach to the game was in stark contrast to their dismal 2015 ICC World Cup campaign and supporters will hope that their form will carry through to the clash with Australia.
Eoin Morgan will be the key man for England once again in the shorter formats, having been instated as captain for both ODI's and T20I's. His 322 runs in the New Zealand series represented a return to form and his strike rate was a hugely impressive 125.
With the ICC T20 World Cup now less than a year away, England will be looking to make the most of any opportunity to practice their 20-over skills. In this series, the single IT20 in Cardiff is their only chance to hone both their tactics and selection against their fiercest rivals ahead of the tournament in India next year.
Whilst England were hugely successful in their previous IT20, defeating New Zealand by 56 runs at Old Trafford, it could not be a surprise to see those who have had a good NatWest T20 Blast campaign called into the squad.
For the visitors, the two limited overs series are a chance for redemption after a torrid Ashes tour thus far. In a series they were expected to win with ease, they find themselves 3-1 down with one to play. With the retirement of captain Michael Clarke after the Oval Test, the limited overs matches will be a chance for fans to see a new look Australian side as they too look ahead to the World T20.
England will take comfort from the fact that the only IT20 takes place at the scene of their opening tone-setting Ashes victory this summer. The last time the two sides met at The SSE SWALEC in white ball cricket, England were also the victors as they recorded a 3-wicket victory in September 2013.
Whatever the result this time, it promises to be an intriguing and exciting pair of limited over series as the international cricketing summer draws to it's conclusion.
Tickets for the clash in Cardiff at The SSE SWALEC are almost sold-out but whilst single tickets remain in all categories and a limited few others, there's still time to book your place for the double-header.
Call 02920 419 311 or click
here to purchase or to ensure a truly memorable day book your hospitality package for the game price from £169 + VAT per person by calling 02920 419 315