Joe Root has expressed that it would be "nice to have a choice" regarding the venues for Ashes series, following the confirmation of the schedule for next year's matches which excludes Headingley and Old Trafford. The decision to omit these grounds for the 2027 Ashes was announced in 2023.
Nottingham's Trent Bridge is set to be the most northerly venue for a men's Ashes Test, with Southampton hosting an England-Australia Test for the first time. Headingley will instead host a women's Ashes Test.
Root, who was reflecting on England's recent innings victory against Pakistan at Headingley, highlighted the venue's significance. "I would love to play as many games as possible here," Root stated. "It's a great Test-match venue, a surface that provides brilliant Test cricket, and one we've had quite a lot of success on recently."
Headingley has been the site of significant Ashes victories for England, including a memorable win in 2019 inspired by Ben Stokes, and a celebrated performance by Ian Botham in 1981. England's record at Headingley shows nine home Ashes wins, second only to The Oval. While Headingley has hosted 26 Ashes Tests, The Oval has hosted 36.
Despite the exclusion from the 2027 roster, Root acknowledged the situation, saying, "It's a shame we don't get to play here next year, but I'm sure we will see many, many more brilliant Test matches here." England is scheduled to return to Headingley for a men's Ashes Test in 2031. The England and Wales Cricket Board has indicated that going forward, at least one Test in Leeds or Manchester will be included in the allocation for every home Ashes series, with Southampton designated to host a Test in alternate men's Ashes campaigns.