England Women have removed a scheduled Test match from their upcoming tour of the West Indies in April to allow for more extensive red-ball preparation ahead of next summer's Ashes series. The tour will now consist of three T20 Internationals and three ODIs.
The England and Wales Cricket Board stated that there was insufficient time to accommodate the Test match due to the tour's timing, which follows the opening round of the domestic One-Day Cup. The board confirmed that all England players will participate in the domestic competition before departing for the Caribbean.
To prepare for the four-day Ashes Test at Headingley, which begins on June 24, 2027, England will undertake a 10-day red-ball training camp in Bengaluru in January. This will be followed by four red-ball fixtures in English conditions.
The home preparation programme includes a three-day match against Australia A and three intra-squad 'best versus best' fixtures. The ECB noted that these matches are designed to help selectors assess squad depth and provide competitive multi-day experience.
ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould said the Headingley Test is a critical component of the multi-format series, as it carries four points. He added that the board appreciated the collaborative approach taken by Cricket West Indies in adjusting the schedule.
"A 10-day warm-weather red-ball camp in India followed by four further matches in English conditions will provide the team with the appropriate game time to be ready for that challenge," Gould said.
The dates and venues for the revised white-ball tour of the West Indies will be confirmed by Cricket West Indies in due course. England will look to improve their red-ball form, having not won a home women's Test since 2005.
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