The countdown to the 2027 Ashes has officially begun, and Southampton's Utilita Bowl is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host its maiden Test match in this prestigious series – the tenth UK venue to stage a men's Ashes fixture. Cricket fans will be thrilled that the ECB has unveiled the full schedule for this highly anticipated showdown, confirming the dates and locations for all five mouth-watering matches.
It's a new dawn for the Ashes, as Trent Bridge sets the tone on Friday, 18 June, marking the first time since 2015 that Edgbaston won't be hosting the opening Test in the UK. The series will then swing into action at Lord's from 30 June, followed by Edgbaston's turn to host the third match beginning on 8 July. The Utilita Bowl in Southampton takes centre stage for the crucial fourth Test from 21 July, before the curtain closes on the Kia Oval with the final Test scheduled to start on 29 July.
Cricket enthusiasts will be pondering the surprise omission of Old Trafford and Headingley from this year's Ashes itinerary. However, the North can take heart that both grounds have been earmarked to feature in the 2031 edition of the iconic contest, spreading the high-profile matches across various regions and introducing new venues to the Ashes tradition.
Before the Ashes, England's men's team faces a busy schedule, including a five-match One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan from 15-26 May. This will be followed by a solitary Test match against Bangladesh at Lord's on 28 May, providing a final tune-up before the Australian challenge. Australia's tour will begin with a high-quality match against England Lions at Old Trafford from 7-10 June – an arrangement designed to improve preparation following criticisms of inadequate practice before previous series.
The ECB has also confirmed that the World Test Championship final in 2027 will return to the Oval, which previously hosted the 2023 showpiece where Australia triumphed over India. Last year's edition saw South Africa defeat Australia at Lord's. England will be looking to reclaim the Ashes urn, having drawn the last home series 2-2 in 2023, while Australia secured a 4-1 victory in the 2025-26 series in their home territory. England's last Ashes success was a 3-2 home victory in 2015.