ENGLAND: The England and Wales Cricket Board have agreed to stage two Tests and Twenty20 internationals between Pakistan and Australia in July 2010.

A deal was struck between the ECB and their Pakistani counterparts as the security situation in the south Asian country continues to prevent teams from touring there.

The two boards also agreed that England would host Pakistan for four Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals in August and September next year.

ECB chairman Giles Clarke said: "The Pakistan team performed outstandingly well in the World T20 tournament in England and were worthy world champions.

"The passion of the support for their team in England demonstrated why this country is an ideal venue for these matches against Australia.

"The warm relations between our two boards has developed further under the leadership of the current PCB chairman Ijaz Butt, with whom I enjoy an excellent working relationship, and the ECB is delighted to support Pakistan in staging these matches."

Clarke has also been charged with safeguarding the status of the PCB, amid the country's domestic turmoil, after accepting the position of chairman of the ICC Pakistan Task Team.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board is faced with a very challenging situation at present and ECB, in its role as a member of the global cricket community, is keen to offer PCB all possible assistance at such a difficult time," Clarke added.

"I am delighted to take on this role and will be liaising closely with my colleagues at PCB in the coming weeks and months."