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England Cricketers Express Disappointment Over Exclusion of Northern Venues from Ashes Schedule
Mark Wood and Jack Leach, England cricketers, have expressed their surprise and disappointment regarding the exclusion of main northern venues from the schedule for the 2027 men’s Ashes series. The decision to overlook iconic cricket grounds like Headingley and Old Trafford, which are currently hosting Tests in the ongoing series, has drawn criticism from players and cricket pundits.
New Venues Chosen for 2027 Ashes
Instead of the traditional northern venues, the Ageas Bowl in Southampton has been chosen to host its first-ever Ashes Test, while Trent Bridge will be the northernmost ground for the 2027 series. Although Headingley and Old Trafford will reclaim their spots in the 2031 Ashes, the exclusion for 2027 has been widely condemned.
Wood Expresses Regret
Mark Wood expressed regret and disappointment at the absence of a northern Test match. The right-arm fast bowler, who performed exceptionally well in the third Ashes 2023 Test in Headingley, considers both venues as iconic and believes that at least one of them should have been given the opportunity to host a fixture.
Leach Highlights Home Advantage
Jack Leach, hailing from the south-west, emphasized the advantage of playing in front of passionate crowds in the north. He believes that playing at grounds like Old Trafford and Headingley can give the home team an edge and make a big difference in the game.