ECB Mulls Funding West Indies Women's Test for Ashes Prep

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is prepared to consider providing financial support for a women's Test match in the West Indies next year, a move that would assist England's preparations for the Ashes series against Australia.

The Test, scheduled for the spring of 2027 as part of a multi-format series, is intended to serve as a crucial warm-up for England ahead of their bid to reclaim the Ashes. This consideration comes at a time when Cricket West Indies (CWI) has recently implemented cost-saving measures, including reductions in player contracts.

ECB chairman Richard Thompson stated that while he hopes the match will not be cancelled, the organization would "look at" the situation should funding become a requirement. "We want that Test match to play out," Thompson said. "It's very important for us because our first women's match in the Ashes is the Headingley Test, so we need a good red-ball warm-up. We've got to be playing somewhere and we'd much prefer that to be the West Indies."

Normally, cricket's governing bodies have reciprocal agreements where the home board covers the logistical expenses for the visiting team, such as travel and accommodation. In the West Indies, these costs can be exacerbated by inter-island travel for players. CWI has previously noted significant expenditure on domestic air travel.

Thompson referenced a past instance where the ECB provided a touring fee to the Zimbabwe men's team for a Test played in England. He expressed sympathy for the West Indies' financial challenges, suggesting that solutions might be found through the International Cricket Council and other avenues.

England's Ashes series begins with a sole Test at Headingley in June 2027. The team has played one Test since their Ashes tour defeat in Australia in early 2025, losing to India at Lord's earlier this year. England and West Indies have not met in a women's Test since 1979, and West Indies have not played a Test match against any opponent since 2004.

In addition to the potential West Indies Test, England's Ashes preparations include a 10-day red-ball training camp in India in January 2027. The ECB is also finalizing plans for domestic players to participate in red-ball cricket early in the season and may replicate the 2023 arrangement of England A and Australia A playing warm-up matches.