Get ready for a thrilling warm-up bout as England gears up to face off against Bangladesh in a one-off Test match next May! The high-stakes encounter will serve as the perfect prep for the Ashes series showdown against Australia, with both teams looking to get their engines revving and gain a crucial edge. But first things first – the venue for this clash remains a mystery, with the ECB's decision on where to host the World Test Championship final in June having a direct bearing on the location of this warm-up test.
The ECB has a binding agreement with the ICC to stage three World Test Championship finals between now and 2031. The contract stipulates that the final must be held in London, with Lord's being the traditional choice after hosting the previous two showpieces. However, concerns over the state of the pitch at Lord's following England's crushing 115-run win over New Zealand – a match completed in record time at just 166 overs – have raised doubts about its suitability to host this prestigious event.
If Lord's is ruled out as the venue for the World Test Championship final, it would be guaranteed two Tests each summer under its contract with the MCC. This could lead to four of the seven scheduled Test matches being played in London next summer, a scenario that would mean no Test cricket in the North of England – a prospect that has sparked criticism of the ECB's recent Ashes venue selections.
Old Trafford was initially tipped to host England's pre-Ashes Test, but Lancashire County Cricket Club is reportedly willing to forgo hosting duties if they receive suitable compensation from the ECB. The choice of Bangladesh as opponents may also spark interest, given that England has two Tests scheduled against them in Dhaka and Chittagong in February before facing Australia in the 150th anniversary Test.
With nine consecutive Test matches on the horizon for England – either against Bangladesh or Australia – the ECB is expected to confirm the full details of next summer's cricket schedule, including venues and dates, later this month.