Hampshire's Rose Bowl ground has been awarded at least seven international matches between 2012 and 2016.

The latest package announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board includes a Test against India in 2014.

The West End venue near Southampton has also been chosen to host visits by a number of leading cricket nations.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove told BBC Radio Solent: "It's a ringing endorsement. It's exactly the package we applied for and we're thrilled."

The Rose Bowl has made huge strides in its development since the ground first opened its doors to the public in 2001, after the county side outgrew their old Northlands Road ground.

The India Test match is probably the second most popular after an Ashes Test and we're really chuffed to get that one Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove

In the intervening years, a number of high profile one-day internationals and the Twenty20 Cup finals day have been played at the Hampshire venue.

The planned India Test - the venue's second, as it is scheduled to host a Sri Lanka Test in 2011 - is particularly exciting for Bransgrove.

"It's spectacular," he said. "The India Test match is probably the second most popular after an Ashes Test and we're really chuffed to get that one."

The Rose Bowl will also host five England one-day internationals against South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka between 2012 and 2016.

The venue also remains in contention to stage a home Ashes Test in 2013 and 2016.

The announcement comes after Eastleigh Borough Council recently pledged £30m to continue development of the venue.

Bransgrove added: "The intention is to become a Grade A category Test match ground by the time we stage the Sri Lanka Test and, thereafter, developments will not be a problem."

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