Ben Stokes has publicly condemned the exclusion of Headingley from the 2027 men’s Ashes programme, calling the decision "chaotic" and utterly mishandled. The omission of a major northern venue has sparked a wave of criticism from players, commentators and supporters ever since the schedule was first disclosed.
Stokes, the former England captain, posted his reaction on Instagram after seeing a graphic of the upcoming fixtures. While he praised England’s recent dominance – noting the "great win" that saw the side dismantle Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at the Leeds ground – he could not hide his disappointment that Headingley would not feature. Joe Root, who succeeded Stokes as captain, echoed the sentiment, describing the lack of a Headingley Test as "a shame" and reminding fans of England’s impressive track record at the historic ground. Stokes responded, "Shame is an understatement, to be honest.
Chaotic would be more appropriate." Headingley holds a special place in Stokes’s career. It was there in 2019 that he produced the legendary unbeaten 135, partnering with Jack Leach for a 76‑run last‑wicket stand that rescued England from a daunting chase of 359. That innings is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic finishes in Ashes history and cemented the ground’s mythic status among English cricket supporters.
The forthcoming 2027 series will be contested across five venues, with the opening Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham – the most northerly location on the itinerary. Lord’s, Edgbaston and the Kia Oval will all return, while the Utilita Bowl in Southampton will host a men’s Ashes Test for the first time. Notably, both Headingley and Old Trafford – venues that have witnessed countless iconic moments – are absent from the schedule. England’s recent performance at Headingley only strengthens the argument for its inclusion.
The side is currently on a run of seven straight Test victories at the ground, the latest of which was wrapped up in just three days earlier this week. Former England opener Mark Butcher, who hit a century at Headingley during the 1998 Ashes, questioned the logic behind the ECB’s decision on Sky Sports, saying, "I find it extraordinary that there will be no Ashes cricket up in the north of England beyond Trent Bridge next year. It’s bizarre.
Whether it’s Headingley or Old Trafford, that’s a decision for the bean counters, but the game is marketed as a sport for everyone and needs representation in the north." Harry Brook, speaking from the pavilion at Headingley during the Pakistan Test, admitted he felt a sting of disappointment when asked about the omission. "Slightly, to be honest.
We’ve had a hell of a lot of success here in Test cricket," he said. "You go back to 2019 when Stokes played that ridiculous innings, then the last Ashes Test a couple of years ago where we kept the series alive. I personally love playing here – it’s one of my favourites, if not my favourite ground to bat on.
It is disappointing, but we don’t make those decisions. The hierarchy makes them and we just get told where to play." The full schedule for the 2027 Ashes is as follows (all times UK and Ireland): - First Test: Friday 18 June – Tuesday 22 June (11 am) – Trent Bridge, Nottingham - Second Test: Wednesday 30 June – Sunday 4 July (11 am) – Lord’s - Third Test: Thursday 8 July – Monday 12 July (11 am) – Edgbaston, Birmingham - Fourth Test: Wednesday 21 July – Sunday 25 July (11 am) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton - Fifth Test: Thursday 29 July – Monday 2 August (11 am) – The Kia Oval, London Fans can watch all three of England’s Tests against Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, or stream the action contract‑free via NOW. The controversy surrounding the Ashes itinerary underscores a broader debate about regional representation in English cricket and the importance of preserving historic venues that have shaped the sport’s legacy.