The ECB has confirmed its 2026 international calendar, with Lord’s set to host its first-ever women’s Test, a historic four-day match against India from July 10–13. The fixture is part of a broader push to elevate the women’s game following criticism in the 2023 ICEC report, which called the absence of a women’s Test at Lord’s “truly appalling.”
While The Kia Oval will host a Test in June for the first time, against New Zealand (June 17–21), it will return to its traditional slot as the final Test venue for the 2027 Ashes. The shift for 2026 comes after venue availability challenges and consultation with counties.
In total, England’s men will play six Tests in 2026:
- vs New Zealand (June)
- vs Pakistan (August–September)
They will also face India and Sri Lanka in white-ball series during July and September.
Meanwhile, England Women’s summer is headlined by the T20 World Cup (June–July), alongside bilateral series against New Zealand (May), India (May–July), and Ireland (September). A planned T20 tri-series between England, India, and New Zealand has been dropped in favour of bilateral matchups.
The Hundred retains its exclusive window, running from July 21 to August 16. It marks the first edition of the tournament with privately-owned franchises, with ECB close to finalising deals with new investors.
Some counties have voiced concerns over Lord’s being awarded three of the seven men’s Tests, but MCC chief executive Robert Lawson defended the move, citing strong women’s ODI ticket sales: “It’s only fitting.”
ECB CEO Richard Gould called the women’s T20 World Cup “the highlight of the summer,” adding: “With world-class opposition visiting iconic venues, fans will witness the best of men’s and women’s cricket.”
