Bangladesh is geared up to play a Test match on English soil for the first time in nearly 17 years. The fixture is expected to take place in late May next year, serving as a curtain-raiser for England before they kick off the Ashes.
The Tigers last played a Test match in England back in 2010. While this upcoming clash marks a significant return to English conditions for Bangladesh in the longest format, the match will not be part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC).
Venue Selection Contingent on WTC Final
The official venue for the lone Test is yet to be finalized, as it hinges on the location of the WTC final.
* If the WTC final is moved away from **Lord’s**, the Bangladesh-England encounter is highly likely to be hosted at the historic ground.
* However, if Lord’s retains the WTC final, **The Oval** will be designated as the venue for Bangladesh’s match.
This venue flexibility comes amid recent criticism regarding the pitch conditions at Lord’s, following a low-scoring, bowler-friendly Test against New Zealand that concluded prematurely. Consequently, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is contemplating shifting the WTC final to The Oval.
A Jam-Packed 2027 Schedule
According to the 2027 cricketing calendar, England is scheduled to tour Bangladesh and feature in a special anniversary Test against Australia. Following these fixtures, they plan to host the Tigers for this single Test match in May.
The series offers a vital opportunity for England to fine-tune their squad ahead of the high-stakes Ashes series, while for Bangladesh, it marks a crucial milestone as they return to face the English challenge in their own backyard after a long hiatus.
