The Women’s Ashes 2027 First Test between England and Australia begins on Wednesday 27 January 2027, opening a multi-format series that determines the holders of the Women’s Ashes trophy. The four-day Test is the centrepiece of the tour, awarding four points towards the series total, with the white-ball legs contested across One Day International and Twenty20 International matches either side of the red-ball fixture.
What is the Women’s Ashes?
The Women’s Ashes is the premier bilateral cricket series contested between the England and Australia women’s teams. Since 2013 it has been played as a multi-format series: one Test match, three One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals. The Test is worth four points, while each white-ball match is worth two, giving a total of 16 points. The team with the most points at the end of the series wins the urn.
The contest mirrors the men’s Ashes tradition and is one of the most closely followed fixtures in women’s international cricket. Australia have dominated recent editions, but England have won high-profile series in 2013 and 2014. The multi-format structure is specifically designed to balance the importance of each format and reward all-round excellence.
When is the Women’s Ashes 2027 First Test?
The First Test begins on Wednesday 27 January 2027 and is scheduled to run for four days, concluding on Saturday 30 January 2027. Each day of play begins at 10:30am local Australian time, with scheduled stumps at around 6pm subject to overs bowled. As a day-night Test, the match may feature a pink ball under floodlights with a later start.
Where is the Women’s Ashes 2027 First Test?
The First Test is held in Australia, with host venues confirmed by Cricket Australia as part of the broader series schedule. Recent Women’s Ashes Tests in Australia have been played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Trent Bridge-style boutique venues such as North Sydney Oval and Manuka Oval in Canberra. The pitch in Australian summer conditions typically favours strokeplay early before offering variable bounce on day four.
Key Contenders
Australia enter the series as the dominant force in women’s international cricket, led by captain Alyssa Healy and built around a core of Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland. The side holds the Women’s Ashes after winning the 2024-25 edition 16-0 in one of the most one-sided series in the contest’s history.
England are rebuilding under captain Heather Knight and head coach Jon Lewis, with the batting unit anchored by Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley. Sophie Ecclestone is the key bowler, while fast bowlers Lauren Bell and Issy Wong provide pace options on Australian pitches. England will be targeting the First Test as a chance to reset the series rivalry and avoid a repeat of the recent one-sided scorelines.
How to Watch
In Australia, the First Test is broadcast on Seven Network and Fox Cricket, with streaming via 7plus and Kayo Sports. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Cricket carries live coverage throughout each day of play, with highlights and radio coverage on BBC Test Match Special and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. International fans can watch via Willow TV in North America, SuperSport in sub-Saharan Africa and FanCode in India. Streaming is available on the Cricket Australia app in Australia and on Sky Go and NOW in the UK.
History and Records
The Women’s Ashes dates back to 1934, when England women first toured Australia. The multi-format points system was introduced in 2013 to give greater weight to the full tour rather than a single Test. Australia have won 9 of the 11 multi-format series since 2013. England’s last series win came in 2013-14 when they triumphed at the MCG. Ellyse Perry holds the record for most Ashes runs and wickets across formats, and remains central to Australia’s campaign.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the Women’s Ashes First Test are sold through Cricket Australia’s official ticketing platform. Day-one passes typically range from 20 to 40 Australian dollars, with four-day packages offered at a discount. Demand has grown sharply across Women’s Ashes editions, reflecting the rise in profile of the women’s game.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Women’s Ashes 2027 First Test start?
Wednesday 27 January 2027, with play scheduled to run through to Saturday 30 January.
Where is the First Test being held?
In Australia, at a venue confirmed by Cricket Australia as part of the full Women’s Ashes schedule.
How can I watch the Women’s Ashes First Test?
On Seven Network and Fox Cricket in Australia, and on Sky Sports Cricket in the United Kingdom.
Who holds the Women’s Ashes?
Australia, after sweeping the 2024-25 multi-format series 16-0.