Rail strikes to wreak havoc for cricket fans as 20,000 workers walk out during two Ashes tests
Barriers close off part of Waterloo train station in London
PA
Cricket fans have been dealt a major blow after the the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announced three days of strike action in July.
Around 20,000 railway workers will walk out as the RMT continues its dispute over pay.
Workers from 14 train operating companies will join the industrial action on July 20, July 22 and July 29.
The impacted dates will inevitably wreak havoc for cricket fans hoping to head to Old Trafford in Manchester for the second and fourth day of the fourth test.
Mick Lynch
PA
The final test at the Oval will also witness disruption on the third day.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This latest phase of action will show the country just how important railway staff are to the running of the rail industry.
"My team of negotiators and I are available 24/7 for talks with the train operating companies and government ministers.
"Yet quite incredibly neither party has made any attempt whatsoever to arrange any meetings or put forward a decent offer that can help us reach a negotiated solution.
England fans in the stands during day four of the first Ashes test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham
PA
"The government continues to shackle the companies and will not allow them to put forward a package that can settle this dispute.
"Our members have now voted 3 times to take strike action over the last 12 months - the most of recent of which coincided with having the full details of the substandard offer from the rail operators.
"They voted by 9-1 to renew their strike mandate and RMT will continue its industrial campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement on pay, working conditions and job security."
England suffered defeat in the opening Ashes test against Australia at Edgbaston last week but fans will hope Ben Stokes can lead a fightback in the remaining four fixtures.
England's Ben Stokes looks dejected after day five
PA
Australia won by two wickets in their narrowest Ashes win since 1907.
England and Australia will meet at Lord's for the second Ashes test on June 28.
The third test starts on July 6 at Headingley.
England last won the Ashes in 2015.