England cricketers Mark Wooden and Jack Leach have expressed their shock and disappointment over the exclusion of foremost northern venues from the schedule for the 2027 males’s Ashes sequence. The choice to miss Headingley and Outdated Trafford, famend cricket grounds internet hosting the third and fourth Exams of the continued sequence, has drawn criticism and raised eyebrows amongst gamers and cricket pundits.

As a substitute of the standard northern venues, the Ageas Bowl in Southampton has been chosen to host its first-ever Ashes Take a look at, whereas Trent Bridge will function the northernmost floor for the 2027 sequence. Though Headingley and Outdated Trafford are set to reclaim their spots within the 2031 Ashes, the allocation for 2027 has been broadly condemned as an oversight.

Wooden expressed the remorse and disappointment on the absence of a northern Take a look at match. The precise-arm quick bowler, who just lately loved an incredible outing within the third Ashes 2023 Take a look at in Headingley, termed each venues as iconic grounds and reckoned no less than one in every of them ought to’ve been given the chance to host a fixture.

“As a lad from the north, clearly I like enjoying within the north “Headingley has had some [amazing] video games: clearly within the final sequence with Ben Stokes, and this one was one other nice sport. Outdated Trafford’s an iconic place to play. Durham as effectively… to see Take a look at-match cricket up within the north at Durham is at all times particular,” mentioned Wooden throughout an interview with talkSPORT

“I perceive among the the explanation why however [I am] stunned there isn’t no less than one sport up right here as a result of I feel we get nice help, and I feel they’re iconic locations to play. [I’m] slightly bit upset, simply being from the north, that there isn’t one up right here the place you are feeling such as you’ve obtained that additional backing and you’ll relate with individuals up right here,” he added.

Likewise, Leach hailing from the south-west, emphasised the benefit of enjoying in entrance of passionate crowds within the north. Talking on the Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Membership podcast, Leach mentioned “You need to take advantage of residence benefit, don’t you? And people grounds, you positively really feel such as you’ve obtained probably that. I take into consideration going to Australia and the quantity of stick I obtained or all of us obtained there, and possibly with these grounds [Old Trafford and Headingley], you are feeling just like the opposition will get it slightly bit. You get it whenever you go to that place. And I feel that really could make a giant distinction.”