England's defence of the Ashes will begin in Brisbane next November after the schedule for the 2010 series in Australia was released.

Just over a month after Andrew Strauss' side memorably reclaimed the famous urn at The Oval, the first steps towards their defence have been mapped out.

The five-Test series will begin at Brisbane's 'Gabba ground on November 25 and will follow the same circuit around the country that England embarked upon three years ago when they suffered the humiliation of a 5-0 series whitewash under then skipper Andrew Flintoff.

The second and third Tests will follow in Adelaide and Perth with Melbourne and Sydney to host their tradition Boxing Day and New Year's Tests respectively to complete the series.

"The recent npower Ashes Test series between the two sides was the sporting highlight of the summer and has really whetted the appetite of all cricket supporters as England seek to retain the Ashes next winter," ECB chief executive David Collier said.

"It promises to be a great contest and I am sure many thousands of England cricket fans will be eager to purchase tickets when they go on sale and get behind the team in Australia."

The ECB and Cricket Australia have also agreed for England to play three first-class warm-up matches before the opening Test, with a further match between the Adelaide and Perth Tests.

Ashes series 2010-11 schedule:

First Test, Brisbane (Nov 25-29); Second Test, Adelaide (Dec 3-7); Third Test, Perth (Dec 16-20); Fourth Test, Melbourne (Dec 26-30); Fifth Test, Sydney (Jan 3-7).