The ECB may provide financial support to ensure England women’s Test against West Indies goes ahead next year. The match is part of England’s spring 2027 multi-format tour, announced in 2024. It is scheduled before England’s attempt to regain the Ashes from Australia next summer, adding to the importance of its timing. This follows Cricket West Indies announcing money-saving measures, including cuts to player contracts. In March, West Indies cancelled a women’s Test against Australia, although its white-ball matches went ahead.
There have been no talks between the ECB and CWI about cancelling England’s Test. The tour includes three T20s and three ODIs in April and May, with dates and venues unconfirmed. ECB chair Richard Thompson said he expected the Test to happen. “I hope not. That’s not expected to be cancelled. I hope it will take place.” Asked if the ECB could provide funding, Thompson said the organisation would “look at” the situation.
Normally, the home board covers logistical costs for visitors, including travel and accommodation costs. In the West Indies, costs can be higher because players may need flights between islands. CWI said it has spent more than $80m on domestic air travel in the past 15 years. Thompson pointed to a similar arrangement when Zimbabwe’s men played a Test in England last year, with the ECB paying the visitors a touring fee.
“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.” The Ashes begin with the only women’s Test at Headingley in June. It will be the only Test, men’s or women’s, north of Nottingham next summer. England have played one Test since losing every match of the 2025 Ashes tour in Australia, with that game a defeat by India at Lord’s this year.
England have not played West Indies in a women’s Test since 1979, while West Indies have not played a Test against anyone since touring Pakistan in 2004. England’s preparation will include a 10-day red-ball training camp in India in January. In 2023, Australia A and England A played Test warm-ups, and that could be repeated in 2027. Plans for domestic players to play red-ball cricket early next season are also being finalised.
Thompson was speaking at Lord’s as the ECB launched programmes aimed at 1,700 secondary schools and 3,500 teachers. “Cricket for Teachers” and “Secondary Countdown Cricket” are part of the ECB’s plan to reach half of all state secondary schools in England and Wales by the end of 2028. Earlier, a Sutton Trust report found cricket to be one of the most elitist jobs in the country, with 59% of male professionals and 50% of women privately educated.
“We really want teachers to upskill and be able to coach,” Thompson said. He said the programme could bring boys and girls together until 16, while creating another pathway for late developers or those wanting to play with a hardball. The ECB aims to reach 1.5 million children who have never played. The initiative aims to widen access and provide another stepping stone.
The West Indies Test is an important part of England’s Ashes preparation, alongside the India camp, possible domestic red-ball cricket and Australia A. For West Indies, it comes during financial pressure and difficult decisions. Thompson expressed sympathy for the region and its unique challenges, and hoped the ICC and others could help find a way through them. ECB willingness to consider funding could help to keep the Test in place before England begin their Ashes campaign.
Loves all things female cricket