Disappointed cricket chiefs have failed in their bid to bring the Ashes to the north-east of England.
Durham County Cricket Club had hoped to host an Ashes test match at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street, in 2009.
But the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has told them Sophia Gardens, in Cardiff, was the successful bidder.
However, the Riverside will host a test match between England and the West Indies in 2007 and will have the chance to bid again for the Ashes in 2013.
Club chairman Clive Leach CBE said: "We are delighted to secure an npower test match between England and the West Indies in 2007 and we are confident that we will secure future internationals in 2008 and 2009 including a one-day international between England and Australia in 2009."
Chief executive David Harker said they were disappointed, particularly after the good response to the plans from people in the region.
He said: "The club put forward a strong case and we are committed to securing the backing that will enable us to develop the stadium as planned and that will allow us to compete with other UK regions.
"We will look forward to welcoming the West Indies to the Riverside in 2007 and demonstrating to a global audience our ability to successfully host major test matches at the Riverside."
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