England, which is preparing to settle scores with Australia in the Women’s Ashes, can now take a big step to strengthen its Test preparations. England and Wales Cricket Board i.e. ECB is considering providing financial assistance to ensure that the women’s Test against West Indies takes place on Caribbean soil. If this happens then it will be a very unusual step in women’s cricket.
This Test between West Indies and England is part of a multi-format series to be held in early 2027. This match is to be played before England’s campaign to regain the Women’s Ashes from Australia. At present, there has been no discussion between the ECB and Cricket West Indies i.e. CWI regarding the cancellation of this Test and the England Board is hopeful that the match will take place as per the schedule.
West Indies Board is facing financial crisis
CWI had announced several steps last week to reduce expenses. These also include reduction in players’ contracts. Earlier in March, the proposed Women’s Test between West Indies and Australia was cancelled, although the ODI and T20 matches of that tour were played as scheduled.
The entire series between England and West Indies also includes three T20 Internationals and three ODIs. The tour is proposed for April and May 2027, although its date and venue have not been decided yet. The ECB believes that the entire tour including the Test is not in danger at present. ECB Chairman Richard Thompson told BBC Sport that he is hopeful that the Test match will definitely take place. When he was asked whether the ECB would come forward if financial help was needed to conduct the test, he said that the board will consider it if such a situation arises.
Expenses increase on Caribbean tour
Under the general arrangement between cricket boards, the host board bears the logistics expenses, including travel and accommodation, of the visiting team. This expense may increase further in the West Indies as players and staff have to travel by air between different islands. CWI reported last week that more than $80 million has been spent on domestic air travel alone in the last 15 years. Thompson also cited the example of the Zimbabwe men’s team’s Test tour of England last year, where the ECB paid touring fees to the visiting team. He said that we want that test match to happen. It is very important for us, because the first women’s match in the Ashes is the Headingley Test. So we need good red-ball preparation.
England will organize red-ball camp in India also
The Women’s Ashes will begin in June 2027 with a one-off Test to be held at Headingley. England will also organize a 10-day red-ball training camp in India in January to prepare for this series. England have played just one Test since losing all the Ashes tour matches against Australia in early 2025. This year he had to face defeat against India at Lord’s. Interestingly, the last Test between England and West Indies women’s teams was played in 1979. At the same time, the West Indies women’s team played its last Test against Pakistan in 2004.
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