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Ben Stokes and Joe Root have both expressed their frustration over Headingley being left out of the 2027 Ashes schedule, with Stokes branding the decision “shambolic” and Root admitting it was a “shame”.
The two England greats questioned why one of the country's most successful Test venues will not stage a men's Ashes match next summer. This criticism came after England extended their remarkable winning run at Headingley with a dominant victory over Pakistan, which was their seventh consecutive Test win in Leeds.
Headingley not to host any Ashes 2027 Test match
England's latest win in Leeds continued a remarkable run at Headingley. Their victory over Pakistan was their seventh straight Test win at the venue, extending a streak that dates back to 2018.
However, that impressive record will not get a chance to grow during next year's Ashes. Headingley was not included among the venues selected for the 2027 men's series, despite England having enjoyed considerable success against Australia there in recent years.
The last two men's Ashes Tests at Headingley, in 2019 and 2023, both ended in England victories. England's nine home Ashes victories at Headingley are second only to their 17 wins at The Oval.
Instead of a men's Ashes Test, Headingley will host a women's Ashes fixture next summer. Trent Bridge will be the northernmost venue used for the men's series, while Southampton will stage an Ashes Test for the first time.
Headingley's next men's Ashes appearance will come in 2031. The ECB has subsequently committed to ensuring that either Headingley or Old Trafford hosts at least one Test in every home Ashes series.
“Shambolic”: Ben Stokes, Joe Root slam ECB over Headingley’s Ashes 2027 snub
Joe Root, who has both preceded and succeeded Stokes as England's Test captain, admitted that he would have preferred England to have more say over where they play their biggest home series.
Root acknowledged that the scheduling process was outside the players' control but made it clear that Headingley remains a venue where England have enjoyed significant success.
“Obviously this is a slightly different system here and a different way that things are done. I think I should probably stay in my lane and understand that it's someone else's job to sort out. As a player, you want to play at the grounds you have most success at as a team, clearly,” Joe Root said, as quoted by the BBC.
“It's one that we generally do well at and I love playing here - as the Yorkshireman I have to say that from birth, so I'm glad it's the case. I would love to play as many games as possible here. It's a great Test-match venue, a surface that provides brilliant Test cricket, and one we've had quite a lot of success on recently.
“It's a shame we don't get to play here next year, but I'm sure we will see many, many more brilliant Test matches here,” Joe Root added.
Ben Stokes was considerably more direct in his assessment. The former England captain, who retired from international cricket in June, reacted to the decision on Instagram.
“Shame is an understatement. Shambolic would be more appropriate," Ben Stokes wrote on his Instagram story while reacting to Root's statement.
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Every day. I think he's kept tabs on things - Joe Root gives update on Stephen Fleming
Joe Root also provided an update on incoming England Test coach Stephen Fleming, who has not yet officially taken charge of the red-ball side. Marcus Trescothick is currently overseeing the team as interim coach in the series against Pakistan National Cricket Team, while Fleming is expected to begin his tenure in South Africa series.
Despite not being in the dugout yet, Fleming has remained closely involved with the team and has maintained regular communication with Joe Root and Trescothick.
“Every day. I think he's kept tabs on things. It's just been great to have him on the end of the phone.
“I can speak to him as much or as little as I like, and it's great that he's very invested already in what we're trying to achieve. There's been constant communication with me and Marcus as well," Joe Root said.
