The Ageas Bowl has been announced as a host venue for a men’s Ashes Test Match in 2027, followed by a women’s Ashes Test Match in 2031.
Widely regarded as having the best view in cricket, The Ageas Bowl has been chosen as one of five Test venues for the 2027 men’s Ashes series, marking the culmination of the hard work and commitment of Chairman, Rod Bransgrove.
Bransgrove said: “This award indicates final validation of our magnificent stadium as a genuine International and Test Match ground. The Ashes fixture in 2027 will be a historic moment for Hampshire Cricket, the Ageas Bowl and for cricket in general as England and Australia engage in a Test Match for the first time at our bespoke venue.
“For me, it represents the realisation of a long-held ambition; a dream come true. For all our dedicated staff, both past and present, the allocation of this match, the women’s Ashes Test in 2031, and the broader International and Test Match programme over this seven-year period, represents full recognition of their amazing commitment and dedication over the past two decades.
“I salute their efforts and cannot thank them enough for their highly valued contributions.”
The announcement marked the highlight of the ECB confirmation of the allocations for international men’s and women’s cricket from 2025-3031, with The Ageas Bowl hosting no fewer than 19 international fixtures.
The Ageas Bowl allocation includes three men’s Test Matches, with the Ashes Test in 2027 being followed by an India Test Match in 2029 and a further Test Match in 2030. Each Test Match year will also include a men’s white ball international, and there will be two men’s white ball internationals in each of the non-Test Match years.
The women’s schedule includes white ball internationals in 2025, 2026, 2028 and 2030 followed by the women’s Ashes Test Match in 2031, which will be the first women’s Test Match to come to the Hampshire ground. The Ageas Bowl will play host to its first ever women’s Ashes ODI fixture on 16 July this year.
The allocation of all High Profile Matches for the period 2025-2031 was made following a process involving all eligible grounds in England and Wales, the results of which were ratified by the ECB Board in May.
Bransgrove added: “This allocation of men’s and women’s international fixtures is a game changer for the prospects of Hampshire Cricket and The Ageas Bowl.
“I should like to thank the ECB and everyone across the game who has participated in an extensive and diligent process which has resulted in, what I believe to be, a fair and equitable distribution of international fixtures across all venues.”
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