Mark Butcher criticizes Ashes schedule for excluding northern venues

Mark Butcher has expressed strong disappointment regarding the venues for the 2027 men's Ashes series, the absence of Headingley and Old Trafford. The schedule confirms that only Trent Bridge, Lord's, Edgbaston, the Utilita Bowl, and the Kia Oval will host matches, with no Test ground north of Nottingham included. Butcher, alongside other players and pundits, argues that this decision is bizarre and undermines the sport's accessibility in the north. Despite the disappointment, Headingley and Old Trafford are set to host Ashes Tests in the 2031 series.