2027 Ashes Calendar Set for Both Men’s and Women’s Series

In 2027 England will host back‑to‑back Ashes contests for both its senior men’s side and the women’s team, with the fixtures spread across a range of iconic venues. The men’s campaign is designed as a chance to restore pride after the heavy 4‑1 defeat suffered in the 2025‑26 tour of Australia, while the women’s squad will be looking to reverse a humiliating 16‑0 whitewash in the 2025 series Down Under.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the schedule, the venues, and the surrounding fixtures that will shape England’s summer cricket programme. ### Men’s Ashes – A Quest for Redemption The men’s series kicks off at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on 18 June, where England will open the first Test at 11 a.m.

local time. The match will run until 22 June, giving the hosts a chance to set a solid foundation for the rest of the series.

After the opening encounter, the second Test moves to the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, scheduled from 30 June to 4 July. The third Test follows at Edgbaston in Birmingham, taking place between 8 and 12 July. A historic twist arrives with the fourth Test, which will be played at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. This will be the first time the venue hosts a men’s Ashes Test, and the game is slated for 21‑25 July.

The series will close with the fifth and final Test at the Kia Oval in London, running from 29 July to 2 August. Throughout the series, each match will begin at 11 a.m. UK time, ensuring consistency for broadcasters and fans alike.

In the lead‑up to the Ashes, England will sharpen their skills in a short five‑match One‑Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan from 15 to 26 May. This will be followed by a single Test against Bangladesh at Lord’s on 28 May, providing a final tune‑up before the Ashes proper. After the Ashes, England’s summer does not end; the team will host New Zealand for a combined white‑ball series comprising three ODIs and five Twenty‑20 Internationals, beginning on 7 September and concluding on 25 September.

### Women’s Ashes – Climbing Out of a Drought The women’s side will launch their Ashes challenge with a one‑off Test at Headingley in Leeds, scheduled from 24 to 27 June. This match offers the England women a platform to regain confidence after being completely outclassed in the previous Australian tour. The series then transitions into the limited‑overs format, starting with a T20 International at Trent Bridge on 3 July (7 p.m.).

The second T20I will be played at the Kia Oval on 6 July at 6.30 p.m., and the third T20I will move to Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on 9 July at 7 p.m. The final leg of the women’s Ashes consists of three ODIs. The first ODI will be held at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on 13 July (1 p.m.), the second at Lord’s on 16 July (1 p.m.), and the third at Edgbaston on 20 July (1 p.m.). As with the men’s fixtures, all times are listed in UK and Ireland local time.

### Additional Context and Significance Both series are part of a broader strategy by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to maximise the use of its premier venues and to deliver a varied cricketing calendar that appeals to a wide audience. By placing the men’s fourth Test at the Utilita Bowl, the ECB is testing the viability of new locations for high‑profile matches, potentially opening the door for future Ashes fixtures outside the traditional county grounds.

For the women’s team, the inclusion of a standalone Test at Headingley reflects a renewed commitment to the longest format of the game, which has often been sidelined in the women's calendar. The subsequent T20 and ODI matches are scheduled at venues that have previously hosted major men’s internationals, underscoring the ECB’s aim to give the women’s game equal exposure and prestige. The surrounding series against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand serve multiple purposes. The Pakistan ODIs provide a competitive environment for England’s limited‑overs players to fine‑tune batting and bowling strategies ahead of the Ashes.

The Bangladesh Test, although a one‑off, offers a chance to experiment with team combinations and give emerging talent exposure to Test conditions. Finally, the New Zealand white‑ball series at the tail end of September ensures that England remains in peak form across formats as the international season winds down.

### Venue Highlights - **Trent Bridge, Nottingham** – Known for its picturesque setting and balanced pitch, Trent Bridge will host both the opening men’s Test and the first women’s T20I. - **Lord’s, London** – The "Home of Cricket" will stage the second men’s Test, the second women’s ODI, and a crucial ODI against New Zealand later in the season. - **Edgbaston, Birmingham** – A ground famed for its lively atmosphere, Edgbaston will host the third men’s Test and the final women’s ODI.

- **Utilita Bowl, Southampton** – Making history with the men’s fourth Test, the bowl will also host the first women’s ODI, showcasing its versatility. - **Kia Oval, London** – The iconic Oval will conclude the men’s series and host a women’s T20I, offering a dramatic finale for both contests. - **Headingley, Leeds** – The women’s Test venue, providing a classic English pitch with a reputation for producing results.

- **Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester** – Hosting the third women’s T20I, Old Trafford adds a northern flavor to the series. ### Summary The 2027 Ashes schedule represents a landmark moment for English cricket, delivering simultaneous high‑stakes contests for both men and women across a blend of traditional and new venues. With a clear pathway of preparatory matches against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, England aims to enter the series in optimal condition. While the men’s side seeks to overturn a recent 4‑1 loss and reclaim the urn, the women’s team is determined to end a 13‑year Ashes drought after a crushing defeat in Australia.

Fans can look forward to a summer packed with cricketing drama, historic firsts, and the enduring rivalry that defines the Ashes.