From Dailymail · · 4m
England overhauls cricket calendar for Ashes prep
England is restructuring its domestic cricket schedule to ensure players have competitive matches during the Ashes series next summer, following a disastrous winter tour of Australia.
In brief
England is restructuring its domestic cricket schedule to ensure players have competitive matches during the Ashes series next summer, following a disastrous winter tour of Australia. England is adding extra County Championship rounds in June and July 2027 to give players match practice during the Ashes, fixing a…
England's Ashes disaster sparks overhaul
England's dismal performance in Australia this winter has prompted a major review of how the team prepares for international cricket. The ECB is now restructuring the entire domestic calendar.
New schedule adds June and July matches
The 2027 County Championship will include two rounds of matches in both June and July, giving players competitive cricket during the Ashes series. The Ashes runs from June 18 to August 2.
Injured players get crucial match time
Players returning from injury or missing out on England selection will now have access to four-day cricket both before and during the five-match Ashes series. This addresses a major gap from the Australian tour.
Last summer's schedule was too sparse
This summer, the 18 counties had just eight days of first-class cricket between May 19 and August 19. The new plan spreads matches more evenly across the season.
Australia tour exposed preparation failures
England's internal post-Ashes review in January identified a complete lack of competitive games outside the five Tests. The single warm-up was an intra-squad match on a slow surface.
Only one warm-up match before Perth
Before the series opener in Perth, England played just one warm-up involving Lions players at Lilac Hill. The surface was uncharacteristically slow and lacked intensity.
Mid-series cricket was minimal too
During the Ashes, players only got match time in a two-day floodlit match in Canberra between the first and second Tests. This was insufficient preparation.
Counties want more balanced schedule
County chiefs pushed for the Championship to spread across six months to keep members happy. The Hundred's dominance during summer had frustrated county cricket supporters.
Two rounds moved from August to July
The ECB is removing two of six rounds that previously ran from August 20 and repositioning them in July. This creates more cricket during the Ashes window.
Season starts earlier than ever
If approved, the 2027 County Championship will begin on April 2, the earliest start ever. Seven rounds of matches will run with three-day gaps between them.
Teams get one week off early season
During the initial seven-round block starting in April, each of the 18 counties will receive one week off. This prevents burnout during the intensive early phase.
T20 finals day stays in July
The Twenty20 finals day at Edgbaston will remain in July, where it was moved for 2026. This keeps the domestic calendar's key event in a consistent slot.
Trent Bridge hosts Ashes opener
The 2027 Ashes begins at Trent Bridge on June 18 and concludes at The Oval on August 2. The five-match series will run alongside County Championship cricket.
ECB prioritizes Ashes preparation
The ECB is keen to ensure a more balanced itinerary with the Ashes in mind. The calendar overhaul reflects lessons learned from inadequate preparation last winter.
Draft schedule still needs approval
The initial draft of the 2027 domestic schedule is subject to approval. County chiefs and the ECB must finalize the framework before it becomes official.
Competitive cricket now during Ashes
Unlike the Australian tour, players will have regular four-day matches to stay match-fit during the Ashes. This should prevent the fitness and form issues that plagued England in Perth.
Calendar reform addresses systemic gaps
The overhaul tackles multiple problems: lack of warm-ups, insufficient mid-series cricket, and member dissatisfaction with the Hundred's dominance. It's a comprehensive restructuring.
The key point
England is adding extra County Championship rounds in June and July 2027 to give players match practice during the Ashes, fixing a major gap identified after their poor performance in Australia.
