Olympic Stadium to host England cricket team in match against Australia at 2019 World Cup in front of 55,000 fans at West Ham’s home ground

ENGLAND are almost certain to play Australia in the 2019 World Cup in front of 55,000 spectators at the Olympic Stadium.

And the other match planned for the venue will feature the bitter rivalry between India against Pakistan.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison last month revealed that plans are advanced to use the Olympic Stadium – where West Ham now play – for the 50-over global event in 2019.

For all the latest CRICKET news, including the latest ahead of the IPL, visit our topic page

The games will cost around £1million to stage with much of the money spent getting the match ready for international cricket – including re-turfing the outfield.

So tournament organisers believe it makes sense for the two biggest money-spinning matches to be played there.

England v Australia would be guaranteed to attract a capacity crowd while the India against Pakistan match at Edgbaston in this summer’s Champions Trophy sold out weeks ago.

A crowd of 55,000 would be the biggest for any cricket match ever played in the UK.

An inspection of the stadium in January confirmed the dimensions comply with those necessary for staging a one-day international.

A drop-in pitch – probably shipped over from New Zealand – would be used and Essex are hoping to play a home T20 Blast match at the Olympic Stadium this year or in 2019 in what would be a trial run.

In 1980, Essex played West Indies in an exhibition match at Stamford Bridge with Graham Gooch scoring a century.