Mark Butcher Criticises Omission of Northern Grounds from 2027 Men’s Ashes Schedule
Former England international Mark Butcher has questioned the venue allocation for the 2027 men’s Ashes series against Australia, describing the absence of Headingley and Old Trafford as “extraordinary” and “bizarre.” The confirmed schedule features no matches in northern England, restricting all five fixtures to grounds in London, the Midlands, and the south.
What Happened
The England and Wales cricket administration confirmed the venue lineup for the 2027 five-Test series against Australia, which will run between June 18 and August 2, 2027. Nottingham’s Trent Bridge is set to open the series from June 18 to 22, followed by the second Test from June 30 to July 4, and the third Test at Edgbaston from July 8 to 12. The fourth match will be staged at the Rose Bowl (also referred to as the Utilita Bowl) from July 21 to 25, while the series concludes at the Oval from July 29 to August 2. Lord’s also features among the returning host venues alongside Edgbaston and the Oval, while Southampton will host a men’s Ashes fixture for the first time.
However, the omission of traditional northern venues in Leeds and Manchester has prompted criticism. Speaking to Sky Sports, Butcher noted his personal connection to Headingley and Old Trafford, observing that visiting touring squads view five or six English grounds as carrying substantial Ashes history. Current England batter Harry Brook also shared his disappointment regarding Headingley’s absence, calling it a great venue and one of his favourite grounds on which to bat.
Key Highlights
- The 2027 men’s Ashes series will take place entirely across grounds located in London, the Midlands, and southern England.
- Neither Headingley in Leeds nor Old Trafford in Manchester was awarded a Test for the five-match 2027 series against Australia.
- Southampton’s Rose Bowl will host a men’s Ashes Test for the first time in its history.
- Old Trafford and Headingley have been allocated men’s Ashes fixtures for the 2031 series, meaning they will sit out at least two consecutive home men’s Ashes tours.
- Headingley is not scheduled to stage another men’s Test match of any kind until 2029 following its fixture against Pakistan.
- England Women are scheduled to play a Test match against Australia at Headingley during a multi-format series next summer.
Why This Matters
The geographical distribution leaves supporters in northern England without a men’s Ashes fixture during the 2027 tour. Because both Headingley and Old Trafford are next scheduled to host men’s Ashes cricket in 2031, neither ground will stage a match in the contest across two successive home series. Furthermore, the absence of men’s Test cricket at Headingley until 2029 marks an extended gap for international red-ball fixtures in Yorkshire following the Pakistan series.
What to Watch Next
While the men’s side will bypass northern venues in the 2027 series, Headingley is slated to host international action when England Women take on Australia in a Test match during next summer’s multi-format tour. Men’s Ashes cricket is scheduled to return to both Headingley and Old Trafford in the 2031 edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which venues will host the 2027 men’s Ashes Tests?
The five Tests will be hosted by Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Lord’s, Edgbaston in Birmingham, the Rose Bowl in Southampton, and the Oval in London.
Why was the schedule criticised?
Critics, including former England player Mark Butcher and current batter Harry Brook, expressed frustration over the total absence of traditional northern venues like Headingley and Old Trafford from the calendar.
When will Headingley and Old Trafford next host a men’s Ashes Test?
Both grounds are scheduled to stage men’s Ashes Tests during the 2031 home series.
Source: Crictracker via Sky Sports reporting.