Stokes blasts 'shambolic' Ashes schedule

Ben Stokes has criticised the decision to stage the 2027 men's Ashes without a single Test in the north of England; the former England captain reacted on his Instagram story after Joe Root, Harry Brook and Mark Butcher had questioned the schedule

Ben Stokes has described the decision to leave Headingley off the schedule for the 2027 men's Ashes as "shambolic".

The lack of a northern venue as part of the men's Ashes schedule has come under scrutiny from players, pundits and fans since it was announced.

Former England captain Stokes delivered his verdict on Instagram in response to a post about the schedule, before adding "Great win though" in a nod to England's innings-and-103 run demolition of Pakistan at the Leeds ground this week.

Joe Root, the man who replaced Stokes as captain, described Headingley's absence as a "shame", and pointed to England's strong record at the venue.

"Shame is an understatement [to be honest]," said Stokes in response. "Shambolic would be more appropriate."

No venue carries more Stokes history. It was at Headingley in 2019 that his famous unbeaten 135 dragged England to a record chase of 359, sharing an unbroken last-wicket stand of 76 with Jack Leach to keep that Ashes series alive in one of the greatest finishes the game has seen.

Next summer's series will be played across five grounds, with the opening Test in Nottingham the most northerly fixture.

Lord's, Edgbaston and The Kia Oval all return, Southampton's Utilita Bowl will stage a men's Ashes Test for the first time, and Headingley and Old Trafford – home to so many of the series' most storied days – are nowhere on the roster.

England's recent record only strengthens the case, with the men's team currently on a streak of seven consecutive Test wins at Headingley, the latest completed inside three days this week.

Former England batter Mark Butcher, who scored a century at Headingley in the Ashes 25 years ago, questioned the logic of the ECB's decision making on Sky Sports .

"I find it extraordinary that there'll be no Ashes cricket up in the north of England beyond Trent Bridge next year. It's bizarre," he said.

"Whether that's here at Headingley or whether it's at Old Trafford, that's a point for the bean counters to decide, or whoever's turn that might be.

"The game being marketed as a game for everybody needs to have some representation and needs to have a game in the north."