Stokes Slams Headingley Ashes Decision
Ben Stokes has called the decision to leave Headingley out of the 2027 men’s Ashes schedule “shambolic” after Joe Root expressed his disappointment over the omission.
The criticism came after England secured a dominant win over Pakistan at Headingley on Friday. England won by an innings and 103 runs inside three days, extending their winning streak at the Leeds venue to seven consecutive Tests.
Root Disappointed by Ashes Schedule
Root, who recently returned as England’s Test captain after Stokes retired from international cricket, said it was a shame that Headingley would not host a men’s Ashes Test next year.
The Yorkshire batter has enjoyed considerable success at his home ground and praised the venue for producing high-quality Test cricket.
“It’s a great Test match venue and a surface that provides brilliant Test cricket,” Root said.
He added that England had enjoyed plenty of success at Headingley and expected the ground to host many more memorable Test matches.
Stokes Calls Decision ‘Shambolic’
Stokes responded to Root’s comments on social media.
Sharing a screenshot of Root’s remarks, Stokes wrote: “Shame is an understatement tbh. Shambolic would be more appropriate. Great win though.”
Stokes had already expressed his frustration when the 2027 Ashes schedule was announced in 2023. At the time, he said he was devastated that the men’s series would not visit northern England.
Headingley Gets Women’s Ashes Test
Although Headingley will miss out on the men’s Ashes, the famous Leeds venue will host the one-off women’s Ashes Test.
The decision means Yorkshire cricket fans will still have an opportunity to watch an Ashes Test at Headingley next year.
However, the absence of a men’s match has generated criticism from both current and former England players.
Where Will the 2027 Men’s Ashes Be Played?
The 2027 men’s Ashes series will feature five Test matches across England.
The venues are:
- Rose Bowl near Southampton
- Trent Bridge
- Lord’s
- Edgbaston
- The Oval
The Rose Bowl will host a men’s Ashes Test for the first time.
England Enjoy Strong Record at Headingley
The latest victory over Pakistan further strengthened England’s impressive record at Headingley.
England dominated Pakistan from the opening stages of the match and completed the victory inside three days. The result also gave Root a winning start to his second spell as England’s Test captain.
Headingley has become one of England’s most productive Test venues in recent years, making its absence from the 2027 men’s Ashes schedule particularly notable.
Stokes and Root Back Headingley
Both Stokes and Root have made clear how highly they rate the Leeds venue.
Root believes Headingley offers conditions capable of producing entertaining Test cricket, while Stokes has previously highlighted his disappointment at the decision to exclude it from the men’s Ashes schedule.
For now, Headingley will have to wait for another men’s Ashes opportunity, while the women’s Test will ensure the historic venue remains part of the 2027 Ashes calendar.
