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In a massive step for the growth of disability cricket, the game is all set to witness a historic moment in 2027 as England and Australia will face each other in the first-ever Mixed Disability Ashes.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced on Wednesday, July 22, that England and Australia will play the first-ever Mixed Disability Ashes in 2027. The historic series will add a new chapter to one of the game's greatest rivalries between England and Australia. Amid this, Alastair Cook clashes with RCB's Dinesh Karthik, Mo Bobat over Jacob Bethell debate.
ECB unveils first-ever Mixed Disability Ashes between England and Australia
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Australia's men's mixed disability team will travel to England to compete in the first-ever Mixed Disability Ashes next summer.
This means England's men's, women's, and men's mixed disability teams will all be competing for the Ashes urn in 2027. The ECB also revealed that both the Australian and English teams will play a Vitality T20I series, while the full schedule, match dates, and venues will be announced later.
With this initiative, they expected to give disability cricket greater recognition and inspire more players to take up the sport. Amid this, Rohit Sharma enjoys The Hundred at The Oval with Nita Ambani.
Ian Martin calls Mixed Disability Ashes a game-changer for Disability Cricket
On the historic occasion, Ian Martin, Head of Disability Cricket, said that the launch of the first-ever Mixed Disability Ashes is a major milestone for disability cricket and a big step by ECB in helping the format grow. He also said that facing Australia in an Ashes series is a proud moment for the England team.
Ian Martin said in an ECB statement, "It really signals the next step of mixed disability cricket to be able to introduce an Ashes; it's a hugely meaningful progression for the game. All cricket fans understand the importance of an Ashes series.
England v Australia is for so many the peak of the game, and I'm delighted that our Men's Mixed Disability squad will get a chance to compete in such a series. We've had a fantastic series against India, with another one due this summer, and we're keen to continue growing this format. I'm delighted we'll be able to welcome Australia to the UK next summer, and I can't wait for our first Mixed Disability Ashes series.”
Cricket Australia chief excited for historic Ashes series
On the other hand, James Allsopp, Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket, said that the new Mixed Disability Ashes will give Australian cricketers with disabilities the chance to be part of one of the game’s biggest rivalries alongside the men's, women's, and blind Ashes series.
He said that they are really excited to take part in the new Ashes series next year and have their elite players with a disability take on their oldest rivals, England, in England.
James Allsopp stated, “We’re excited to align with other nations' cricket boards in fielding mixed disability teams and have followed England’s and India’s series with interest the past two years. The National Cricket Inclusion Championships in Ballarat next January will be an important part of the selection process for the Mixed Disability Ashes, including our first feature match in the format.”
