The news has landed like a sucker punch – there'll be no Northern Ashes Test in 2027 as England prepares for the ultimate showdown with Australia. The ECB's full schedule release has confirmed that both Emirates Old Trafford and Headingley, two of cricket's most iconic venues, have missed out on hosting a men's Test against the Aussies next summer.
The initial decision to exclude northern venues was met with widespread criticism back in 2023, with the then-Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham (now Prime Minister), among those voicing their discontent. Fans in the north will have to wait another year for the big-time Test cricket action, but Old Trafford will still host some top-class cricket – a men's ODI against Pakistan in May and a Women's T20 Ashes match in July.
England's quest for redemption begins in earnest at Trent Bridge on June 18, where they'll look to kick-start their bid to reclaim the coveted urn. Lord's follows suit from June 30, with Edgbaston next up from July 8. Southampton's Utilita Bowl will make its Ashes debut from July 21, joining nine other UK grounds that have hosted men's Tests.
The Women's Ashes series will run in tandem, echoing the format of 2023 – and England women are hungry for redemption after a tough 16-0 defeat in Australia two years ago. The women's campaign kicks off with a four-day Test at Headingley from June 24. Three T20 internationals will be played at Trent Bridge, The Oval, and Old Trafford, while three ODIs take place at Southampton, Lord's, and Edgbaston.
Before the Ashes gets underway in earnest, England men will face Bangladesh at Lord's on May 28 – a one-off Test to get them in the zone. Meanwhile, Australia will play a warm-up fixture against England Lions at Old Trafford from June 7-10 as part of a new reciprocal agreement. This Aussie-friendly tie will be reviewed if they make it to the World Test Championship final, which takes place at The Oval on June 9.