Alastair Cook has said that England's cricket team are facing a "massive summer" in 2013.

The side face a two-match Test series against New Zealand in May, the ICC Champions Trophy in June, and the Ashes, which gets underway in July.

The captain told Sky Sports News: "I've got the first couple of weeks off but my first game [with Essex] is against Hampshire here on April 30 and then Lancashire at Old Trafford, then fingers crossed the first Test against New Zealand May 16.

"Obviously the Ashes is going to be a huge part of the summer. Along with the Champions Trophy and New Zealand it's a massive summer for us, and as a captain and player it's a great opportunity for us to do something special.

"Australia are going to be a tough side, they always are, the Ashes brings out the best in them make no mistake about that, so it's going to be a great battle between two very good sides."

England recently drew a three-Test series with New Zealand.