ECB scraps one-off Test against West Indies women

The ECB has scrapped the planned England women's one-off Test against West Indies women, which was scheduled to be played in April-May 2027 alongside three T20Is and as many ODIs. Cricket West Indies is expected to announce the venues for the tour in the coming days. The ECB has put in place a comprehensive plan to help England Women regain the Ashes on home soil next year.

England Women are set to play a three-day match against Australia A Women and three additional red-ball fixtures as part of their preparations in English conditions ahead of the marquee series. These matches will pave the way for the one-off Ashes Test at Headingley in June.

England Women will also attend a 10-day training camp in Bengaluru in January, which will aid their preparations for the inaugural edition of the ICC Women's Champions Trophy.

"Accommodating this thorough programme of preparation in home conditions has necessitated revising the schedule of matches for England Women's tour to West Indies in April, which is due to take place once the English domestic season is already under way," an ECB statement said.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould thanked Cricket West Indies for its understanding and said the revised schedule would give England Women a strong opportunity to reclaim the Ashes.

"The ECB is grateful to Cricket West Indies for agreeing to its request, and for the understanding and collaborative approach taken in these discussions.

"Best versus best in English conditions provides a valuable opportunity for the team," Gould said. "It also allows us to assess our strength in depth, provide opportunities to more players, and incorporate a number of competitive multi-day matches across a longer period for the wider group.

"We appreciate the constructive conversations with Cricket West Indies that have enabled us to look forward to an exciting tour of the Caribbean before turning our focus back to the home summer."