What's happened
The 2027 Ashes schedule confirms Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Edgbaston and The Utilita Bowl in Southampton as venues, with The Oval hosting the final Test. Old Trafford and Headingley are not chosen for 2027 but will feature in 2031. England also faces Bangladesh and Pakistan fixtures around the Ashes, while the Women’s Ashes run alongside the men’s.
What's behind the headline?
What this means for fans and the game
- The schedule concentrates Tests in southern venues, potentially impacting north-based fans and travel patterns.
- Rose Bowl’s first Ashes Test marks a milestone for a ground outside the traditional trio.
- The absence of Old Trafford and Headingley in 2027 has drawn criticism from local officials; their return in 2031 suggests a longer-term strategic plan.
Who benefits?
- Ground owners and local economies in the Midlands and South benefit from higher-profile international fixtures.
- The England and Wales Cricket Board aims to showcase versatile venues across the country while balancing white-ball and Test commitments.
What to watch next
- How the teams adapt to different pitch types and travel demands across venues.
- The potential knock-on effects for ticketing, sponsorship, and broadcasting in a more centralized 2027 schedule.
How we got here
The ECB has released the venue list for the 2027 Ashes, with five grounds in the Midlands and south of England. Southampton’s Rose Bowl hosts a Test for the first time. Old Trafford and Headingley miss the 2027 slate but are slated for 2031. England previously hosted 2015 and 2023 series outcomes; Australia won 4-1 in 2025-26.
Our analysis
Independent, AP News, BBC Sport, Al Jazeera, BBC Business — all report on the 2027 Ashes venue allocations, noting the Rose Bowl debut and the absence of Old Trafford/Headingley in 2027 while confirming 2031 plans and related England fixtures.
Go deeper
- Will fans in the north have better access in 2031?
- How will Rose Bowl hosting affect ticket demand?
- What are the implications for next year’s warm-up schedule?
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