ECB Unveils 2027 International Schedule Featuring Men’s and Women’s Ashes

Men’s Ashes 2027: Venues and Schedule

The 2027 men’s Ashes series will span five venues across England, starting at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on June 18. This schedule marks a notable shift in venue allocation, as Emirates Old Trafford and Headingley were not selected to host men’s Ashes matches. This omission drew criticism from Andy Burnham, who was the mayor of Greater Manchester when the decision was announced in 2023, and is now the prime minister.

The second Test is set for Lord’s starting June 30, followed by the third at Edgbaston on July 8. The Utilita Bowl in Southampton will become the 10th UK ground to host a men’s Ashes Test when the fourth match gets under way on July 21. The series is scheduled to conclude at the Kia Oval, with the final Test starting July 29 and running until at least August 2.

Women’s Ashes and Multi-Format Series

The multi-format Women’s Ashes will be held from June 24 to July 20, running alongside the men’s series. This mirrors the structure used in 2023. Beyond the Ashes, the England Women’s team will face Bangladesh in September, hosting a three-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series. The T20Is are scheduled for Northampton, Taunton, and Worcester, while the ODIs will take place in Hove, Canterbury, and Chelmsford.

World Cup Preparation: Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand

With the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled for October-November 2027, the ECB has organized a heavy white-ball program. The England men’s home calendar begins with a five-match ODI series against Pakistan, starting at the Utilita Bowl on May 15. The teams are set to play at Old Trafford, Headingley, Durham, and Sophia Gardens.

Following the white-ball opener, Bangladesh will tour for a one-off Test fixture at Lord’s starting May 28.

In September, New Zealand will tour for a series comprising three T20Is and five ODIs. The T20Is will be played at Durham, Old Trafford, and Sophia Gardens, with the Banks Homes Riverside in Durham hosting a fixture on Tuesday, September 7. The ODI leg of the New Zealand tour will take place at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Bristol, Trent Bridge, and Headingley.

Team Stakes and Context

The upcoming Ashes series follows a campaign where Australia defeated England 4-1. While the men’s schedule is dense, the women’s white-ball international schedule has been reduced to accommodate the Ashes Test series. Furthermore, the ECB has confirmed that England’s men’s team will play only one T20I series at home in 2027, which is the September series against New Zealand. Prior to the official Ashes Tests, the board confirmed one full-strength warm-up game will be played between the two sides.