'Surprised there isn't at least one game ' - Mark Wood disappointed as Northern venues omitted from Ashes 2027 venue list

England players are disappointed with the omission of both northern main venues for the Ashes 2027 in England. Notably, Headingley and Old Trafford, the venues for the third and fourth Test of Ashes 2023, will not be hosting a single game in the Ashes 2027.

On the other hand, The Ageas Bowl in Southampton will be hosting its first Ashes Testwhile Trent Bridge in Nottingham will also be hosting one match in the series. Furthermore, both Headingley and Old Trafford will once again host Ashes in 2031. However, North's omission in the Ashes 2027 hasn’t gone down well Northumberland-born Wood.

"As a lad from the north, obviously I love playing in the north. Headingley has had some [amazing] games: obviously in the last series with Ben Stokes and this one was another great game. Old Trafford's an iconic place to play. Durham as well… to see Test-match cricket up in the north at Durham is always special,” Wood told talkSPORT.

Wood further said that he is surprised that not even a single game has been allotted to the northern venues where they get great support.

"I understand some of the reasons why but [I am] surprised there isn't at least one game up here, because I think we get great support and I think they're iconic places to play. [I'm] a little bit disappointed, just being from the north, that there isn't one up here where you feel like you've got that extra backing and you can relate with people up here."

Apart from Wood, left-arm spinner Jack Leach also isn’t too pleased with the decision and said that it’s a shame since the crowd at those venues is epic. Notably, Wood was awarded Player of the Match as England made a comeback in the Ashes 2023 with a win in the third Test at Headingley, Leeds. The speedster picked up 7/100 in 28.4 overs across two innings and also scored crucial 40 runs with the bat to help his side win the Test by three wickets. England will now look to continue their winning momentum in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester.